Sino–North Korean Economic Cooperation during the Chinese Civil War and Its Background

Abstract

Political and security considerations based on the identical ideology served as a starting point for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)–North Korean cooperation during the Chinese Civil War. The CCP used North Korea as a passage for goods and personnel between northern and southern areas liberated by the CCP in Northeast China. From an economic perspective, the cooperation between the CCP and North Korea was mutually beneficial. North Korea could secure much-needed food and bituminous coal through trade with CCP bases in Northeast China, while supplying industrial goods and daily essentials. North Korea supplied electricity to the CCP-liberated areas in Northeast China. However, the two parties conflicted over electricity apportionment and ownership of Supung Power Station on the Yalu River. In general, the economic cooperation between the CCP and North Korea was carried out according to international trading standards, sometimes prioritizing its own economic interests.