Chinese-made technology is aiding the North Korean regime in surveilling citizens, the Chosun Ilbo reported on Monday. The regime bought thousands of CCTV cameras between January and November last year from Chinese businesses.

Data from Chinese customs shows that North Korea bought in 16,420 CCTV cameras last year at a cost of approximately $1.66 million.

It is estimated that North Korea has purchased about 100,000 cameras from China since 2009 which was when China started publishing data on bilateral trade. The number of cameras imported by North Korea has steadily decreased since 2009's importing of 40,465 CCTV cameras.

An unnamed South Korean government official suggested that, "All surveillance equipment there has something to do with the regime's attempt to tighten control on society." It has been suggested by other commentators on North Korea that the cameras are intended for placement in border regions to halt defections.

Source: The Chosun Ilbo