China keen to strengthen North Korea trade ties with New Yalu River Bridge opening

China's Premier Li Qiang emphasized China's steadfast support for North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un, during the delayed opening of the New Yalu River Bridge. The four-lane bridge, connecting Dandong in northeastern Liaoning province with the North Korean city of Sinuiju, aims to enhance economic and trade ties, increase personnel exchanges, and strengthen the bond between the two peoples, as per state news agency Xinhua.

The project, initially started in December 2010 and completed in October 2014, was expected to replace the single-lane Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, which has been a bottleneck for trucks weighing over 20 tonnes. The bridge's inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday, lacked public access, and authorities did not disclose the attendees.

Premier Li expressed optimism that the opening would serve as a catalyst for improving port clearance, raising connectivity levels, and promoting border region cooperation. He reiterated Beijing's commitment to its traditional friendship with Pyongyang and North Korea's resolve to safeguard shared interests and strategic environment, according to state news.

North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song delivered a video speech at the event, though its content was not released. South Korea closely observed the bridge's opening, viewing it as the first concrete implementation of agreements reached at the North Korea-China summit held in June.