After several turbulent years of bilateral Sino-DPRK relations, Beijing finally appears content with the direction of its relationship with North Korea.

Mainland Chinese coverage of North Korea affairs is increasingly limited to diplomatic engagements ranging from commemoration of CCP milestones to sports exchanges: amid a trade war with the U.S., development projects worldwide, growing economic concerns, and a tainted vaccine scandal, there is a drought of commentary on North Korea.

China has many reasons to remain silent on North Korea, and this silence reflects confidence, at least in the short term, about its interests