It seems that China has just recently provided about 300,000 tons of food to North Korea last year to ease its chronic shortages.
China, the North’s sole major ally, has long been its chief energy and food supplier.
Unification Minister Hyun In-Taek gave the figure in a report Tuesday to a closed session of a parliamentary committee, his office said, adding the food was provided either on credit or as aid.
The ministry, which handles cross-border relations, gave no further details. The website of Chosun Ilbo newspaper estimated that 300,000 tons equals one month’s supply for the communist nation’s entire population of 24 million.
A bungled currency revaluation last November by the North has reportedly played havoc with distribution networks, aggravating food shortages and sparking inflation.
Hyun said the North was trying to ease the problems.
“North Korea has been suffering from problems in food supply and distribution since its currency reform and has been taking measures to deal with the situation,” he told legislators Tuesday.
China, the North’s sole major ally, has long been its chief energy and food supplier.
Meanwhile, South Korea has since 2008 suspended annual shipments of fertiliser and food to the North amid rising tensions.
