Trucks line up as long-delayed China-North Korea bridge officially opens

China and North Korea officially opened the New Yalu River vehicle bridge on Thursday, marking the start of use for the crossing 12 years after its completion. The 3,026-metre bridge, which features cable-stayed pylons, was intended to rejuvenate trade and commerce following pandemic-related disruptions and years of soured ties. While Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that an opening ceremony was held, North Korea's state media had not yet reported on the event.

The bridge, which connects to a 1.3km crossing and a Chinese customs area, saw trucks bearing both nations' flags moving in both directions late Thursday morning. According to The Korea Times, some North Korean vehicles were decorated with flowers. The opening follows a period where the bridge remained unused due to unfinished approach roads and a customs compound on the North Korean side.

Hundreds of people gathered on the Chinese side near the border town of Dandong to watch the opening. Free Malaysia Today reported that the bridge and Chinese customs saw increased activity in the days leading up to the official opening. China remains North Korea's largest trading partner.

Brief written by urgent.news from Japan Today, The Korea Times, Free Malaysia Today — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.