This year, it has been confirmed that a section dedicated to selling North Korean books was featured at the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF). The BIBF serves as a global platform for publishers and readers to exchange information and trade publishing rights, while also offering souvenirs from various countries.
According to the BIBF website, on Monday, a North Korean section was established for the 2025 BIBF, which ran for five days starting from June 18th. The website provides basic information about novels, magazines, and collections sold by North Korea’s Foreign Language Publishing House, along with a link for direct email inquiries.
Among the items featured is a book titled “People Who the Tongil Sinbo Met,” which was reportedly discontinued after North Korea’s declaration of its “Two Korea Theory” last year. The Tongil Sinbo was formerly the official publication of the now-defunct United Front Department, serving as a propaganda outlet for North Korea’s national unification policies. Its presence on the BIBF website suggests the information may not have been updated.
Chinese social media platforms also featured posts confirming North Korea’s participation in the BIBF, with photos showcasing the North Korean section. The display featured Chinese translations of the monthly magazine Chosun, the Complete Works of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, as well as various tourist brochures, including “Pottery of Korea,” “Architecture of Korea,” “Mount Kumgang,” “Mount Myohyang,” “Masikryong Ski Resort,” and “Baekdu Scenery.” A stamp commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between North Korea and China was prominently featured.
The souvenir stand offered North Korean pottery, Kaesong Korea Red Ginseng Ginger Tea, North Korean flag pins, and artwork. Interestingly, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) also participated, selling Korean beverages, including fruit-flavored soju and makgeolli, which created a unique opportunity for visitors to experience both North and South Korean cultures simultaneously.
The BIBF, which began as a biennial event in 1986, has been held annually since 2002. This marks North Korea’s first participation since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
While North Korea and China appeared to have a somewhat distant relationship during the period of intensified North Korea-Russia relations from 2022 to 2024, they seem to be making efforts to improve ties this year.
High-level diplomatic communications have resumed, and China is highlighting symbolic locations of North Korea-China friendship, fostering a more amicable atmosphere. Consequently, some analysts suggest that China’s economic support for North Korea may expand in scope.
