China is preparing to open a new large-scale customs facility at Quanhe. This appears to be part of a strategy to expand trade in advance between North Korea and China’s three northeastern provinces, while also maintaining Beijing’s influence over Pyongyang and containing Russia’s presence in the region. In addition, it seems to reflect China’s strategic intent to connect the logistics of its northeastern region directly to the Pacific Ocean through Rajin Port, located about 40 kilometers south of the Wonjong Bridge.