Chinese companies promote North Korean-made products on social media, violating UN sanctions

Chinese companies use social media to promote North Korean-made products, such as stuffed toys, false eyelashes and crocheted handbags, in violation of U.N. Security Council sanctions. These products come from North Korean factories where workers have poor working conditions and long working hours. Official trade between China and North Korea has grown significantly recently, with Xi Jinping recently visiting Pyongyang for a summit with Kim Jong Un. Social media videos show that there is a large amount of cheap labor in the factory and the products are exported quickly. United Nations sanctions prohibit foreign companies from operating joint ventures in North Korea, but North Korea can export certain goods. Chinese customs data show that the official trade volume between China and North Korea in the first four months of this year was nearly US$1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 23%. Rason City is a major factory concentration and is located near the borders of China and Russia. Researchers point out that North Korea relies heavily on China to import raw materials, using cheap labor to manufacture products and then export them. Social media posts emphasize the craftsmanship of the workforce and the speedy shipment of large orders. The video showed workers working continuously for 16 hours without taking a break. Experts believe that China-North Korea trade has returned to pre-epidemic levels and bilateral relations have strengthened. These activities can trigger international attention and pressure.