Tumen River Access: North Korea and Russia Wary of China's Influence
Quick Look
- China's bid for direct access to the Sea of Japan via the Tumen River faces continued wariness from North Korea and Russia, despite recent positive signs from Moscow.
- Analysts suggest the silence in post-summit statements reflects concerns over Beijing's regional influence.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
China has long sought direct access to the Sea of Japan via the Tumen River, which forms a natural border between China, North Korea, and Russia.
The river is a natural border between China, North Korea and Russia, and a narrow strip of it that runs between North Korea and Russia blocks Chinese access to open waters.
Beijing has long tried to convince its two neighbours to open the waterway to Chinese traffic and just last month there were small positive signs from Moscow.
But the silence in the statements after this week’s summit points to continued wariness in the North Korean and Russian capitals of Beijing’s influence in the region, analysts say.
Since ceding territory that includes Primorsky Krai to the Russian empire in 1860, Beijing has tried to pursue direct access to the Sea of Japan via the Tumen River, which is called Duman or Tuman River in the Koreas.
Open Questions
- Will North Korea and Russia eventually grant China access?
- What specific concerns do they have about China's influence?
