Following Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui’s visit to China, a Chinese cargo plane was spotted landing in Pyongyang and unloading a substantial shipment. On Thursday, speculation emerged that North Korea might have received a gift package from China in anticipation of the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party founding (October 10).
NK News reported that a China Air Cargo Boeing 747 (tail number B-2476) departed from Shanghai Pudong Airport around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday and touched down at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport. This information was based on an analysis of satellite imagery from private company Planet Labs and flight tracking data from FlightRadar24.
After landing, observers noted five large cargo trucks and various materials and vehicles approaching the aircraft to load the cargo. However, the specific contents of the shipment remain undisclosed.
The aircraft departed for Shanghai at approximately 4:15 p.m., having stayed for just over four hours.
Traditionally, China and North Korea have conducted most of their trade via land routes, railways, and ships. The cargo plane’s arrival immediately following Foreign Minister Choe’s visit to China suggests this shipment may be of particular significance.
While some speculate that military supplies may have been included, the prevailing view is that the shipment likely contained civilian goods. This assessment is based on several factors: only one cargo plane was involved, the brief duration of its stay, and China’s historical reluctance to engage in arms deals with North Korea.
North Korea has a history of distributing luxury items, such as high-end watches, to senior officials and citizens who have served the state during significant political anniversaries. Analysts suggest that this shipment may have included items like watches or premium liquor, intended for distribution during the upcoming party founding anniversary celebrations.