Chinese state media journalists have returned to North Korea after a five-year hiatus due to COVID-19, as the country selectively reopens to foreign media. This situation raises concerns about journalistic independence, as foreign journalists face stringent controls and surveillance. The return follows North Korea’s mixed signals regarding its border policies and the implications for information dissemination.
On February 27, 2023, journalists from China’s state-run media, including CCTV and the People’s Daily, returned to North Korea after a five-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to South Korea’s Ministry of Unification, North Korea has recently allowed a limited number of foreign media outlets to operate in its capital, Pyongyang, including agencies from China, Russia, Japan, and a few Western organizations such as the AP and AFP.
Amidst these developments, the Japan-based pro-Pyongyang newspaper Choson Sinbo announced the reopening of its North Korean bureau, marking a return to operations after five years. The reopening coincides with North Korea’s mixed signals regarding the reopening of its borders to foreign visitors; it recently closed its only entry point for tourists shortly after allowing them back in after a long ban due to COVID-19.
Concerns have been raised that the decision to halt foreign tourist entry might stem from apprehensions regarding the potential for uncontrolled information circulation. Up until last month, only Russian citizens had been permitted limited entry into North Korea for group tours. The operational status of foreign media in North Korea is strictly monitored by the Korean Central News Agency and the Korean Central Broadcasting Committee, which oversee the approval of residency applications.
Foreign media in North Korea frequently encounter criticism for lack of independent journalism due to stringent government restrictions. Journalists work under constant surveillance, with their movements regulated and monitored by government officials, limiting their ability to report objectively. Critics assert that foreign bureaus amplify North Korean propaganda rather than providing impartial news coverage.
In 2021, the South Korean public broadcaster KBS expressed an interest in establishing a bureau in Pyongyang to foster inter-Korean media cooperation; however, this raised concerns regarding journalistic independence. There were apprehensions that such initiatives could inadvertently channel foreign funds to the North Korean government, thus prompting critiques from political groups and the public alike.
The return of Chinese journalists to North Korea marks a significant development in the realm of foreign media presence in the country. However, their operations are closely monitored, raising questions about the integrity of their reporting. As North Korea navigates the reopening of its borders, mixed signals continue to emerge regarding foreign access, leading to ongoing debate about the implications of foreign media operations within its borders.
Original Source: rfa.org
