Kim Jong-un opens new border bridge with China
The North Korean leader visited Dandong to inaugurate the 3km crossing, marking his first trip to Beijing in over a year.
By Madison Morris ·
North Korea and China share a long border, but they now share a new road link.
Kim Jong-un crossed the New Yalu River Bridge on Saturday to arrive in Dandong, China. South Korea's unification ministry and China's Xinhua news agency confirmed the trip. He met with Wang Huning, a member of China's Communist party standing committee. The two men toured a car factory and discussed strengthening their relationship. Xinhua reported that Kim said North Korea is ready to work with China to carry forward their historical friendship. He added that they want to expand practical cooperation to deliver tangible benefits to their people. Wang accompanied Kim to the bridge to see him off.
The visit comes on the eve of a major anniversary. October 25 marks 76 years since China won its first major victory in the Korean war. That battle took place days after Chinese troops crossed the Yalu River into North Korea in October 1950. Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that traffic controls were placed around the bridge and a local museum. Nearby hotel bookings were also restricted. Diplomatic sources told Kyodo these measures were tied to the visit by a senior North Korean official.
The 3km bridge opened in mid-October. China completed construction 12 years ago, but delays on the North Korean side held back the opening. In early September, North Korea and Russia opened the first road bridge across their short border. This move links Pyongyang by road to its two main backers.
This is Kim's sixth visit to China. It is his first since September 2025. He attended a military parade in Beijing alongside Chinese president Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Xi visited Pyongyang in June. That was his first trip there in seven years.
Relations with South Korea have become more tense. Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has issued about 10 statements criticizing Seoul since late September. South Korea's unification ministry called this frequency unusual. She also announced plans to resume loudspeaker broadcasts at the border within days.
Xi will host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen on November 18 and 19. That timing has fueled speculation about a meeting between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Reuters reported on Friday that US and South Korean officials see little chance of such a meeting happening this year.
Source: The Guardian
