China vs. Russia (and ROK) for control of Raijin 2
Speculation time…
As mentioned before China and Russia seem to be competing for access to the DPRK’s Raijin port. I do not know why this is suddenly a story since Raijin has ostensibly been open for business for years. However, it appears now that the Russians and Chinese seem to think that the North Koreans are finally ready to make some money.
What the Chinese and Russians are offering, and what exaclty each wants vis-a-vis the other, is not readily known. Is it exclusive control of Raijin Port, just a controlling interest, or even just guaranteed access, or something as innocuous as discounted taxes?
The South Koreans see Raijin as a cheap alternative to rebuilding North Korea’s aging railway system along its east coast. South Korea could ship goods to Raijin and hand them over to the Russians for prompt transportation to European markets.
The World Tribune today offered a bit more information of what the Russians are offering:
Farther north along the North Korean border, the port city of Rajin will soon start receiving electricity it badly needs from the Inter RAO UES Company of Russia.
“We have no idea what is going on higher up there,” said a Korean-Chinese businessman from Yenben, “but it certainly looks like China and Russia are trying to win Pyongyang to their sides, like the old days.”
But don’t count China out too quickly-not only do they have a larger border with the DPRK, and greater numbers, they also have ethnic Koreans with family still inside the DPRK:
“Judging from the fact that the two-way tourism traffic is heavily in favor of Chinese travelers, it is expected more Chinese people will have a chance to peek into ordinary people’s lives at the other side of the bridge,” said a Yenben government official.
The two sides will designate travel companies to handle pedestrian tourists in their respective countries and visas will be granted within 24 hours, according to the announcement. Officials in Tumen said the city would help build reception facilities in Namyang for the tourists.
The full article can be found here:
China and Russia competing for North Korean favor along borders
World Tribune (H/T DPRK Studies)
2/1/2008