Background Information
China and North Korea share one of the longest and most heavily fortified borders in the world. The two countries first established diplomatic relations in 1948, with the start of the Chinese Civil War. A portion of the original 1,400 kilometer-long (870 mi) border follows the Yalu and Tumen rivers which separate China from North Korea. Although China’s relations with North Korea have been strained over the past decade, the economic and strategic ties between the two countries remain strong.
Historical Issues Between China and North Korea
Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries have grown steadily. During the Cold War, China provided economic and military assistance to North Korea, and acted as a buffer against South Korea’s military forces. In the latter half of 2016, diplomatic relations between China and North Korea were badly strained due to North Korea’s continued development of nuclear weapons in defiance of United Nations sanctions.
In response to North Korea’s continued nuclear weapons program, China has increased economic and military pressure on the North. China has supported United Nations sanctions against North Korea, while also providing food, fuel and other aid to the impoverished nation. It is estimated that upwards of 90% of North Korea’s foreign trade is with China.
The Wall Between China and North Korea
The purpose of the wall between China and North Korea is to limit unauthorised cross-border movement, as well as to prevent illegal trade. The wall is about 800 kilometers (500 miles) long, 6-8 meters (20-25 feet) high, and 1.5 meters (5 feet) thick. It is made of reinforced concrete and barbed wire, and is monitored by motion sensors and guard posts.
In addition to physical fortifications, China and North Korea have implemented substantial patrols and inspections of people travelling between the two countries. All border crossings are monitored, and customs officers usually make careful checks on travelers.
Since the introduction of the wall, many reports have emerged of its effects on local communities. It has caused disagreements about land ownership and farming rights, and has restricted the ability of North Koreans to search for work or seek medical help in China. It has also led to a decrease in free movement from village to village, and a soaring sense of paranoia among communities living near the border.
The Effects of the Wall
The wall has had a significant effect on the relationship between China and North Korea. Previously, China had been one of the few sources of economic and political assistance for North Korea: now, it is much less involved in the North’s affairs.
However, due to the wall, the two countries still retain strong economic and diplomatic ties. China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner, and Chinese companies continue to invest in North Korean infrastructure. Moreover, Chinese non-governmental organisations are still permitted to send medical, food, and other humanitarian aid to North Korea.
At the same time, the wall has had negative consequences for North Koreans. The restrictions on freedom of movement, and on access to Chinese goods, medicine and education, have meant that North Koreans living near the border are poor and isolated.
China’s Motives for Building the Wall
The primary motive behind China’s construction of the wall was to stem the flow of North Korean refugees and to prevent any potential cross-border military confrontation. It is widely believed that China is reluctant to strengthen ties with North Korea for fear of triggering conflict with South Korea, which is supported by the United States.
China’s construction of the wall also reflects a desire to maintain control of its own domestic and foreign policy. The Chinese government has repeatedly stated that it believes in a ‘one-China policy’ and refuses to recognize North Korea as an independent state. As a consequence, it has sought to limit North Korean influence in Chinese affairs.
Can the Wall be Overcome?
Despite the tough measures adopted by China, there are still ways for North Koreans to reach the Chinese border. Despite the physical barriers and patrols, North Koreans have found ways to cross the border on foot, or by using makeshift rafts and other techniques.
Nevertheless, the dangers involved in illegally crossing the border, as well as the difficulty of obtaining Chinese visas, mean that it is very rare for North Koreans to be able to leave their country.
Perspectives from Experts
According to experts, the wall between China and North Korea is an effective way to control the flow of people and goods between the two countries. While the wall does not prevent some North Koreans from crossing the border, the risk of being caught and the difficulty in obtaining Chinese visas have deterred most would-be migrants.
The experts also note that the wall is not an effective way of dealing with the underlying political problems between China and North Korea. As tensions between the two countries remain high, the wall is unlikely to change the profound mistrust, or de-escalate military confrontation.
The Chinese Economy and North Korean Trade
The Chinese economy has benefited significantly from trade with North Korea. Chinese companies, such as those involved in textiles, electronics, and other manufacturing sectors, take advantage of North Korea’s low wages and use of cheap labour to produce products for export.
At the same time, the wall has enabled China to maintain a measure of control over the North Korean economy. By controlling the flow of goods and services, China has been able to minimize the risk of North Korea damaging the Chinese economy by devaluing its currency, or by running up trade deficits with China.
The International Community and the Wall
The United Nations and the international community have largely supported China’s construction of the wall. Most countries acknowledge that it has reduced the number of North Koreans coming to China, and has alleviated some of the security concerns which had previously existed between the two countries.
However, some experts have argued that the wall has had a negative effect on international humanitarian assistance efforts. It has made it more difficult for aid organisations to deliver food, medicine and other forms of assistance to North Koreans living in poverty.
Furthermore, many have argued that the wall symbolizes the North Korean regime’s isolationist policies, and the oppressive characteristics of the North Korean government.
China’s Role in North Korea’s Human Rights Abuses
Chinese companies often benefit from the use of North Korean labor in factories located in China. There have been reports of North Korean workers being subjected to human rights abuses, including forced labor, wage exploitation, and physical and psychological abuse.
Although there is no direct evidence of China’s involvement in North Korea’s human rights abuses, some have argued that China is complicit in the use of North Korean labor in its factories. Human rights experts have argued that by not doing more to protect North Korean workers in its own country, China bears some responsibility for North Korea’s human rights abuses.
Increased China-North Korea Military Tension
In recent years, tensions between China and North Korea have risen significantly. The Chinese government has been increasingly vocal in its criticism of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, and has called on the North Korean government to cease its weapons tests.
This heightened tension has led to increased military risks between the two countries. China has stepped up border patrols and is believed to have deployed additional troops to the border area. There have also been reports of Chinese military jets and ships conducting surveillance flights near the North Korean coast.
The Future of the Wall
The future of the wall is uncertain. Many experts believe that the decrease in cross-border traffic has eased tensions between China and North Korea and has reduced the risk of military confrontation.
At the same time, the wall has been an impediment to economic development and has limited the ability of people to move freely between the two countries. Some have argued that the wall should be dismantled, or at least opened up to allow for trade and travel between the two countries.
