Anticipation has been growing that North Korea may be preparing to ease its pandemic border controls after a Chinese delegation entered the country and the World Health Organization downgraded its emergency classification of COVID-19.

But conflicting signals out of Pyongyang in recent weeks have muddied the waters about its plans.

On the one hand, the DPRK has expressed interest in participating in international sporting events, has made preparations to reactivate international travel infrastructure and significantly increased trade with China — all signs pointing toward at least a partial reopening.

On the other hand, there