Kim Crosses 12-Year-Closed Yalu Bridge, Signaling New Era
The Chosun Ilbo · Kim Min-seo ·
Kim Crosses 12-Year-Closed Yalu Bridge, Signaling New Era Visit highlights North Koreas shift toward expanded economic ties with China via newly opened bridge
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited China on the 24th for the sixth time since taking power. Upon arriving in Dandong, Liaoning Province, he was greeted by Wang Huning, the fourth-highest-ranking official in Chinese leadership and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Kim Jong-un toured an automobile factory in Dandong and the Anti-US Campaign and Aid-Korea Memorial Hall, which commemorates China’s participation in the Korean War, before returning home the same day.
Kim Jong-un notably crossed the New Yalu River Bridge, a four-lane automobile-only bridge opened between Sinuiju and Dandong on October 15, by car. This marks the first time Kim has used a car for his visits to China, as he previously utilized special trains and chartered planes during his five prior visits. It is also the first time he has concluded a visit to China in a single day without holding a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Experts view this visit, which broke all precedents, as Kim Jong-un opening a new era in North Korea–China relations. The New Yalu River Bridge, fully funded by China to expand bilateral trade, was completed in 2014 but remained unopened for 12 years due to Kim’s concerns over deepening North Korea’s dependence on Beijing.
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