North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly put a halt to all major casino-related projects in the country, including a major 30-storey hotel development in North Pyongang Province, following pressure from China.
According to Radio Free Asia, Kim has ordered a halt to construction on the hotel in Sinuiju, near the Chinese border, despite the development already standing 20-storeys tall. It had been planned to incorporate a casino into the finished building.
“The main reason for halting the casino project is that it has been deemed that the project is a major hindrance to obtaining investment from other countries, particularly China,” Radio Free Asia quoted a source as stating.
“Kim appears to have made the decision upon hearing that the Chinese government is negative about North Korea’s casino project.”
It was also reported that Kim has ordered the cessation of “all troublesome casino projects” upon threats from China that it would stop financial assistance to its traditional ally.
Kim was previously said to have asked US President Donald Trump to invest in a new casino resort in the Wonsan Special Tourist Zone in order to boost tourism to the country, with the government anticipating it could raise revenue of up to US$50 million annually.
