North Korean women, dressed in traditional attire of “hanbok,” wait for visitors at a groundbreaking ceremony on Hwanggumpyong Island, a joint industrial zone in the works with China near the Yalu River, on Wednesday. The joint economic zone is prompting speculation that the North may adopt Chinese-style economic reforms, even as it keeps its hard-line stance against South Korea. YonhapU.S. Urges ‘Extreme Caution’ As North Korea Opens Economic Zone With China -- Bloomberg
The U.S. urged other nations to use “extreme caution and vigilance” in doing business with North Korea as China announced it will develop joint economic zones with the country.
“We urge transparency, extreme caution and vigilance in any business dealings with North Korea,” said Mark Toner, a spokesman for the State Department, in response to the reports.
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More News On North Korea Opening An Economic Zone With China
North Korea Leases 3,000 Acres To China To Create A Special Economic Zone -- Business Insider
China, DPRK reach consensus on developing two economic zones in DPRK -- Xinhuanet
China, NKorea break ground on joint economic zones -- Forbes/AP
China launches economic projects in North Korea -- L.A. Times
My Comment: China's first economic zones were on the border with Hong Kong, and it is these zones that helped transformed China to what it is today. Will the same happen happen to North Korea .... I have my doubts, but China will definitely watch the North Koreans very closely and will not be positioning themselves to be abused and taken advantage of as the South Koreans were when they opened their economic zones in the North.