China launches half-day passport-free trips to DPRK

[TaiShang]

China launches half-day passport-free trips to DPRK
Xinhua, July 12, 2016

Chinese tourists are being offered the chance to visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) without a passport, thanks to a new tour package launched in northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Since July 9, the program has allowed tourists to travel from the border city of Dandong to have a half-day stay in Sinuiju of the DPRK. They only need to apply for an entry permit with their ID cards in Dandong and go through border inspection in the DPRK before starting the trip, according to the organizer, Dandong China International Travel Service.

Visitors need to pay 350 yuan (52 U.S. dollars) for each trip and can travel around a designated zone measuring 30,000 square meters. During the first three days of the deal being offered, some 1,000 Chinese have applied for an entry permit, according to Quan Shunji, general manager of Dandong China International Travel Service.

Quan said the travel zone will be expanded to 130,000 square meters in the future, allowing it to receive 10,000 tourists per day during peak seasons.

Facing Sinuiju across the Yalu River, Dandong sees over 10,000 tourists traveling to the DPRK from its port every year.

 

[jha]

Good initiative.

 

[T-Rex]

It is designed to reduce the economic impact of the western embargo.

 

[TaiShang]

It is designed to reduce the economic impact of the western embargo.

Also looks like an slight policy change after the THAAD agreement.

 

[T-Rex]

Also looks like an slight policy change after the THAAD agreement.

From the very beginning I Thought it was a grave mistake for China to put pressure on North Korea just to appease the US.

 

[TaiShang]

From the very beginning I Thought it was a grave mistake for China to put pressure on North Korea just to appease the US.

I also personally did not like the tough posture (although China took pains to ensure that the sanctions would not sanction the civilian populations). But, DPRK government has not been particularly friendly to China. considering how many times they renegaded over their business commitments with China.

China desires the DPRK to normalize a little, without endangering the ruling government. But they are way too sensitive and protective.

Given the threats they have been under for decades, that's partly understandable.

Anyways, the situation is poised to change.

 

[Mangus Ortus Novem]

If NK was wise it should have allowed Chinese SOE and other companies set up shop there and its fortune would have changed. But they never listened to good advice from the CPC.

 

[TaiShang]

If NK was wise it should have allowed Chinese SOE and other companies set up shop there and its fortune would have changed. But they never listened to good advice from the CPC.

Exactly, that has been the main policy, actually, and various agreements were signed but only to be later breached by the North.

I guess China can provide them protection, including nuclear umbrella should they seek closer relations with Beijing.

 

[xunzi]

If NK was wise it should have allowed Chinese SOE and other companies set up shop there and its fortune would have changed. But they never listened to good advice from the CPC.

It's the Kim family delusional of fearing the country grow strong and they would get rid of him. It's really a trap and hard to persuade him of the realist approach to development. He knows that and his fear is not without reason.

 

[FairAndUnbiased]

30,000 square meters is a small park. It is not even a square kilometer.

 

[Mangus Ortus Novem]

It's the Kim family delusional of fearing the country grow strong and they would get rid of him. It's really a trap and hard to persuade him of the realist approach to development. He knows that and his fear is not without reason.

Thank you Xunzi. Indeed, your view is correct. Pitty that they did not learn anything froom China. Otherwise, NK people would not have to suffer so much. Young Kim is too dangerous..even for China.

 

[greenwood]

American will go mad. We already can travel Korea freely, but they have not gotten entry permission.

 

[TaiShang]

Thank you Xunzi. Indeed, your view is correct. Pitty that they did not learn anything froom China. Otherwise, NK people would not have to suffer so much. Young Kim is too dangerous..even for China.

He is dangerous but his craze can partially be justified. The family want to rain control, just let them be. I do not think the US constantly attempts to destabilize because they suddenly have fallen in love with democracy.

If the regime insecurity is lessened, I believe, the North will at least seek economic normalization.

For the same pragmatic reason, China will manage him, but not let it him fall (I do not think this is even possible even China tried).

 

[Kiss_of_the_Dragon]

China and Russia are talking on how to deal with THAAD, probably they will resume the military aid to NK, SK and US n will get pissed.

 

[C130]

what a farce. a 30,000 meter designated zone. DPRK will just show you what they want you to see. it'll be a nice little performance for the Chinese tourists.

I would love to visit one of North Korea re-education camps instead.