00:00China has decided to resume direct flights to North Korea following the restoration of
00:04passenger train services between Beijing and Pyongyang, marking a significant step toward
00:09reopening one of the world's most isolated nations. Transport links between the two capitals had been
00:15suspended since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when Pyongyang implemented a very strict
00:21border closure. While North Korean carrier Air Korea already resumed flights to Beijing in 2023
00:28and allowed Russian tour groups to visit in 2024, the return of China's flag carrier is seen as a
00:34major economic milestone. Before the pandemic, Chinese visitors accounted for 90% of all tourists
00:40to North Korea, and the long delay in resuming regular travel had surprised many regional observers.
00:47Despite being Pyongyang's primary trading partner and ally, Beijing has frequently voiced disapproval
00:53over the North's persistent missile tests and nuclear ambitions. The diplomatic normalization
00:58was highlighted last September when Kim Yong-un attended a massive military parade in Beijing
01:03alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, his first appearance at a Chinese military display.
01:09Experts argue that the war in Iran in particular increased the need for
01:13closure coordination between the two nations.
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