On July 9, a report was made that China has begun to repatriate North Korean workers stationed within its borders. In response, the South Korean government has called for compliance with the United Nations Security Council resolution banning the dispatch of North Korean overseas workers.
According to diplomatic sources, North Korean workers have been staying in China using student and tourist visas to evade Security Council sanctions. On top of that, their return was delayed for years due to North Korea’s border closure following the spread of COVID-19. As a result, a significant number of visa expirations are approaching. A conflict between North Korean and Chinese authorities seems inevitable.
Attention has been drawn to reports that China has urged North Korea to repatriate its workers. However, the timing is delicate. It is speculated that China is maintaining a distance as North Korea and Russia established the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.
On June 18, when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for a summit, China also held a diplomatic security dialogue with South Korea. Given the circumstances, it appears that China is not only keeping its distance from North Korea and Russia but is also exerting a check on them. Analysis shows that this dynamic has been revealed on the surface as China calls for the repatriation of North Korean workers.
Concerning this, a Unification Ministry official met with reporters on July 9 and said, “There is no official confirmation,” but also reminded that “North Korea’s dispatch of overseas workers is banned by the Security Council resolution and must be complied with.”
Although this is a principled stance, it seems that the South Korean government is indirectly supporting China’s movement to repatriate North Korean workers. It was reported that the government is discussing the repatriation of North Korean workers who have evaded Security Council sanctions by entering with educational and tourist visas, not only with China but also with Russia.
