China–North Korea road bridge opens after 12 years of disuse

The New Yalu River Bridge has opened between China and North Korea, adding an operational road connection between the neighbours. DW reported on October 24 that the bridge officially opened about a week earlier and that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed it that Saturday to reach the Chinese border city of Dandong.

The four-lane bridge was completed in 2014 but remained unused for 12 years because the North Korean side lacked connecting roads and customs facilities. Its opening brings into use a crossing that had long been physically complete.

Countries pledge to expand trade through the crossing

China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and a key source of diplomatic, economic and political support. The countries pledged to expand economic and trade cooperation and exchanges between their people through the bridge’s opening, according to Chinese state media cited by DW.

In Dandong, Kim met Wang Huning, China’s top political adviser, Chinese state media reported. Kim’s journey demonstrates use of the crossing, while the wider expansion of trade remains a commitment by the two countries.

The visit also comes ahead of a political meeting in Beijing on Monday, when Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials are due to gather.