China-North Korea border trade thrives again, despite sanctions

Disguised clams, building materials and short-stay visas undermine UN resolution

Work is underway on a new building in Sinuiju on the North Korean side of the Yalu River. Construction industry officials in Dandong have speculated that China is providing technical assistance for the project. (Photo by Daisuke Harashima)

DAISUKE HARASHIMA, Nikkei staff writer

December 6, 2018 18:43 JST

DANDONG, China -- Despite United Nations sanctions on North Korea remaining in place, trade at China's border with the country appears to be thriving again.

The number of trucks making their way across the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge increased sharply in November, according to an executive of a housing materials supplier in the border city of Dandong.