China to invest in DPRK border islands

China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are planning an unprecedented model of economic cooperation. If successful, this model could contribute hugely to the opening up of the DPRK.

A short taxi drive from the thriving port of Dandong brings us to the edge of China.

Here we are, at the border of China and the DPRK. And over there is Gold Ping Island. The island is just meters away from the Chinese mainland. And it's where a giant leap between China and the DPRK is taking place, in terms of diplomacy and commerce.

Gold Ping Island, now surrounded by barbed wire, is officially DPRK territory. But in the next few decades, it will be jointly run by China and the DPRK.

That means this tranquil rural land will soon be open to Chinese companies.

The ambitious blueprint is to develop the area into a center of logistics, tourism and manufacturing.

This opening up is unprecedented, both in terms of scale and model.

And if successful, the model could be used on other border islands.

Jia Wei, Deputy Director, Dandong Dev't Zone Organizing Committee said, "Preliminary construction on Gold Ping Island is now under way. Currently, the two countries are building the ports and roads. After they're all finished, we will see full-scale construction on the island."

It might be hard to believe. Today there's nothing but weeds and trees surrounded by barbed wire. But within a few years, China and the DPRK plan to transform this wilderness into a busy commercial center. Both countries are confident the benefits will be huge.