North Korean traders abroad ‘welcome’ launch of Hwasong-14

As international pressure on North Korea rises with the introduction of UNSC Resolution 2371 in response to the test launch of a Hwasong-14 ICBM, the heads of North Korea’s trading companies in China are reportedly praising the country’s development of nuclear weapons and missiles.
Until recently, traders were laying low after the test launch, concerned about reactions from the international community. But following the test launch of the Hwasong-14, they are conspicuously praising North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
According to Daily NK’s sources, most of the traders had been complaining about sanctions against the North, but many significantly changed their attitude immediately after the launch of the Hwasong-14, and are espousing regime propaganda and North Korea’s nuclear prowess.
“The heads of North Korean trading companies stationed in China are saying that, ‘We have overcome economic difficulties and now are able to proudly oppose the Americans. As long as we accomplish economic development, there will be no obstacles for us anymore,'” a source familiar with North Korean affairs in China told Daily NK on August 10.
“For instance, one North Korean trader said, ‘Now that North Korea has become a nuclear and missile power equivalent to the US, the Party will focus on developing the economy rather than investing in weapons development.’ The traders are expecting that China will loosen its economic sanctions against the North in the near future.”

It is known that North Korean representatives in foreign countries receive ‘guidance’ from the consulate before actively promoting regime propaganda, including the nuclear and missile development. When incidents of national importance occur, the North Korean authorities routinely summon their citizens overseas to local consulates and provide instructions on what to say about issues during ‘report education’ seminars, similar to the self-criticism sessions held back home.
The representatives of the trading companies are reportedly asked to share specific comments they receive through the ‘report education’ seminars. Until going through the mandatory process, even North Korean laborers abroad are not permitted to make public comments on national issues.
“The trade representatives have been very cautious about mentioning nuclear and missile development without specific instructions from the authorities. It would not have been wise to openly discuss North Korea’s nuclear power in the midst of international sanctions. But after the test launch of the Hwasong-14, they are now actively parading the regime propaganda. It is seems that they were ordered to do so by the North Korean regime,” the source speculated.
“Trade workers who used to refrain from mentioning nuclear and missile development because the sanctions made their lives difficult have started to sing the praises of the Hwasong-14 launch. It seems that the North Korean authorities have instructed the workers to promote the regime propaganda and give the impression that the North is not affected by the sanctions.”
However, residents within North Korea are said to be showing a completely different reaction to the regime’s weapons programs.
A source close to North Korean affairs in China who visited North Korea last month said, “North Korean residents in the border areas are mostly uninterested in the Hwasong-14 launch. Who would welcome the development of a missile that costs hundreds of millions of dollars while also hearing that stronger sanctions will be imposed on the nation?”
“The residents do not believe the regime’s promise that nuclear capabilities will bring prosperity. For people who have to make a living in the markets each day, nuclear weapons and missiles are of little interest.”
Despite the cold attitude of the residents, the North Korean authorities have been expending considerable effort in promoting the test launch of the Hwasong-14 missile domestically. The regime encouraged a massive festive atmosphere following the first test launch on July 4, granting awards to the missile technicians and holding music concerts.