China agreed to provide massive sugar aid during summit talks tied to the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan, with the shipment timed for North Korea’s ruling party anniversary in October representing a visible diplomatic achievement for Kim Jong Un aimed at stabilizing both prices and public mood.
A source inside North Korea told Daily NK on Monday that urgent party and cabinet instructions were issued Sept. 8 ordering the Ministry of External Economic Affairs and Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport to prepare plans for importing Chinese sugar and establish swift practical measures.
“This is the result of North Korea-China talks, scheduled to proceed intensively for about a month from late this month through next month, with import volumes specified at around 19,000 tons total,” the source said.
The sugar will arrive through Nampo Port, with the Ministry of External Economic Affairs reporting that improved temporary warehouses and dock facilities can handle the large shipments around the party founding anniversary without disruption.
The entire shipment will consist of refined sugar. While it would be cheaper for China to provide raw sugar, Beijing decided to supply high-quality refined sugar considering North Korea’s lack of refining equipment and technical capacity.
China uses ‘great power’ image to deepen dependence
A Chinese source confirmed the sugar aid plan, saying it represents “consideration for North Korea beyond economic benefit, particularly using the ‘great power gift’ image around North Korea’s anniversary to instill political subservience and economic dependence among North Koreans who can’t freely buy sugar.”
Expectations for sugar supplies are already growing in Pyongyang and major metropolitan areas. The large sugar imports could stabilize prices short-term following recent spikes from currency fluctuations, though regional effects may vary depending on distribution measures and targets.
“Word is quietly spreading that sugar is coming, and Pyongyang residents are the most pleased,” the source inside North Korea said. “This item is immediately appreciated by people as a precious commodity, so if holiday food supplies around the party’s 80th anniversary include sugar, Pyongyang citizens will be greatly satisfied.”
North Korea plans to use this year’s 80th party anniversary on Oct. 10 as a political turning point for internal unity. The regime appears to have multiple intentions: importing large quantities of Chinese sugar to stabilize prices and public sentiment while showcasing North Korea-China friendship and emphasizing Kim’s diplomatic achievements.
“The large-scale sugar imports will be reinterpreted as educational work highlighting the greatness of Kim Jong Un’s leadership on the diplomatic stage, leading to extensive study sessions,” the source predicted.
The massive sugar imports don’t violate sanctions against North Korea, as ordinary food items like sugar are considered humanitarian goods and excluded from restrictions.
However, transparency concerns about funding flows and transportation processes have consistently been raised regarding large-scale material transactions with North Korea. The need for caution has been emphasized given possibilities that North Korea could divert foreign currency obtained through legitimate trade toward weapons of mass destruction development, or smuggle sanctioned items during transportation.