As reported by 38North on 5 November 2021, North Korea has been increasing its fight against all "capitalist tendencies", showing its unchanging ideological resolve. World Watch Research analyst Thomas Muller states: "As the 38North"s commentary explains, although the current crackdown is not new and is mainly targeting cultural influence emanating from South Korea, the campaign is being driven more strongly than ever in 2021. At first sight it may be surprising that this campaign is being intensified at a time when the authorities are busy combatting the (officially non-existent) pandemic and the resulting economic fallout. However, it does make sense because the regime"s overarching goal is to secure its survival and that means keeping everybody in line and outside influences at bay. This ideological battle also targets the Christian minority, which is particularly affected where the campaign has been intensified in the regions bordering China." Thomas Muller continues: "On the other side of the border, meanwhile, Chinese officials have been searching the homes of female North Koreans, looking for signs of possible contact with South or North Korea (Daily NK, 3 November 2021). If the security officials find evidence of such contacts (either by inspecting their cell phones or by investigating any visits made to the Chinese provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin), they have threatened to have the women‚  sent back to North Korea. Recent history shows this is not an empty threat."