Stephan Haggard Quoted on N. Korea Investment Relations with China
Island Project ‘Needed,’ But in Doubt
03/10/2011
Jae Wan Noh and Richard Finney,
Radio Free Asia
China may see significant benefits from developing North Korean islands.
North Korea’s lease to China of two river islands for commercial development highlights the reclusive country’s growing dependence on its larger neighbor, but the project's success is in doubt, experts say.
Last year, China signed a multibillion dollar lease with North Korea for use of the Wihwa and Hwang-geum-pyong islands, located in the Yalu river near the Chinese city of Dandong.
The islands will be developed as processing and storage areas, according to Chinese traders working in the area.
If the project goes forward, “these areas may also become important industrial zones in the grand design of China’s industrial development,” said Kim Kwang In, director of the Seoul-based North Korea Strategy Center.
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Stephan Haggard can provide commentary on current developments in the Asia-Pacific, including particularly Korea, and on the politics of economic reform and globalization.
