China and North Korea Open Long-Delayed Cross-Border Bridge

A new cross-border bridge, the New Yalu River Bridge, connecting Dandong, China, and Sinuiju, North Korea, officially opened on Thursday, October 14.

The project was believed to have been completed in 2014 but was stalled by the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic and diplomatic strain. Chinese state media, Xinhua, reported that Premier Li Qiang recognized the opening via a pre-recorded speech. Li celebrated the bridge opening as a sign of regularly strengthening China-North Korea relations, including economic ties. He described the bridge as “a new landmark symbolizing the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK” and “an opportunity to continuously optimize port clearance, enhance connectivity, tap the potential for cooperation in border areas, and improve the well-being of the two peoples.”

Li also suggested China is open to expanding “political mutual trust” and “practical cooperation” with North Korea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning confirmed the opening on Wednesday, celebrating the bilateral relationship. Mao Ning stated the bridge “will serve as an important infrastructure for bilateral connectivity and further facilitate the economic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.”

CGTN, a Chinese state television network, published images of the bridge, appearing pristine and operative on Thursday. North Korean trucks festooned with flags and flowers were seen crossing towards China. The 3-kilometer bridge is expected to become the main land route between the two countries, allowing North Korea to ramp up trade with its neighbor.