China approved the initiative to create a joint economic zone with North Korea. The Chinese authorities are intended to maintain relations with North Korea regardless of the scandal over the nuclear tests and tough UN sanctions against it.
Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Chen Jian expressed his optimism over the Rason zone. “Various work in the Rason zone is proceeding smoothly,” he said. “I haven’t heard anything that it has slowed down.”
Chen Jian also drew attention of reporters to the fact that “it’s a project for people’s livelihoods under the cooperation of China and North Korea”. He also added, “It will benefit the economic development of North Korea. It’s a normal project. I am optimistic for its development.” The project is targeted at developing economic zones in Rason and on some islands, which is supposed to provide scope for tax relief and other privileges that might pull investments in the China-North Korean economic zone.
By the way, the U.S. and South Korea are presently at risk of being attacked by North Korea. The nuclear tests held in February by the latter triggered UN sanctions. North Koreans responded to the sanctions by threats to initiate hostilities towards both the U.S. and South Korea.
