China exported at least $50 million worth of medical supplies to North Korea last year, data published by the Chinese General Administration of Customs (GAC) and analyzed by NK News revealed.

The exports -- including 65 million syringes, hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of antibiotics, and more than 4 million pairs of rubber gloves -- came as international aid groups trying to bring their own medical supplies into the DPRK, including some of the very same items China exported, were required to seek permission from the UN first.