Economic Policy

Caveat Emptor: Mineral Development, Sanctions, and North Korea

By | May 13, 2012

Caveat Emptor: Mineral Development, Sanctions, and North Korea by Scott Bruce The most recent round of UNSC sanctions on North Korea targeted three entities involved in missile trade with Iran. One of these companies, the Green Pine Associated Corporation, is also heavily involved in North Korea’s mineral expert business, having taken over much of the […]

“Hire a North Korean”: Chinese Economic Magazine

By | May 07, 2012

Not long ago in Foreign Policy, Marcus Noland laid into the notion of economic transparency with regard to North Korea.  Where are the facts?  And just what are the data points?  Fortunately, when looking at Chinese side of the equation, we are somewhat less empty-handed, and our frustration is often matched by relative satisfaction at […]

Hybridization of Performance Scale: Missile Launch

By | May 03, 2012

We may never know what has transpired behind the curtain — or the growing wall of statues — in Pyongyang, but we can appreciate very much being treated as the audience to a great performance. The intermingled leadership of the Korean Workers’ Party and the Korean People’s Army has been putting their new auditorium in […]

Mahan Over the Tumen Delta: China’s Naval Ambitions for Rason

By | April 18, 2012

China’s role as a trading power along the North Korean frontier is already widely respected, but what about the PRC’s naval ambitions in North Korea? This essay looks at potential Chinese uses for the North Korean port of Rason.

April 15 Roundtable

By | April 15, 2012

With the arrival of April 15, North Korea has arrived at the 100th birth anniversary of its founder Kim Il Sung. We here at SinoNK.com are fervent believers in the importance of the politics of memory in the DPRK and among its allies — and for more about this topic, one can consult the list […]