North Korea's Rason Special Economic Zone (SEZ), once a thriving hub of limited capitalism, is showing signs of revival through growing cooperation with Russia [2da94a59]. The SEZ, located on the border with China and Russia, was heavily impacted by tighter sanctions and border closings due to the pandemic. However, recent developments indicate a potential comeback, including ships docking at the port for the first time since 2018 and increased trade activity [2da94a59]. While China has historically been North Korea's main trading partner, experts suggest that Russia's deepening cooperation may have a more immediate impact on the revival of the Rason SEZ. Russia could send more tourists to North Korea, leading to a reinvigoration of tourism in Rason. Additionally, Russia can sell coal, oil, and flour through Rason, and if more North Korean workers are allowed to cross the border, they can send Russian goods back home [2da94a59]. The resumption of oil exports from Russia to North Korea and discussions on expanding trade and testing meat product deliveries indicate the strengthening economic ties between the two countries [2da94a59]. Satellite imagery suggests that Russian military logistics ships have visited Rason's port, and North Korea has sent containers suspected of carrying artillery shells and short-range missiles to Russia. The Tumangang station in Rason, which has rail links to Russia, has also seen increased activity [2da94a59]. The potential revival of the Rason SEZ offers hope for North Koreans after years of pandemic restrictions [2da94a59].
The evolving relationship between North Korea and Russia, encompassing both arms transfers and economic cooperation, is the common theme in these inputs. This theme highlights the potential breaches of UN sanctions and the geopolitical implications of the North Korea-Russia alliance. It also sheds light on the economic revitalization of the Rason Special Economic Zone and the role of Russia in supporting North Korea's recovery [d92137ed] [365cf507] [8e813663] [d0053b13] [2da94a59].