Kim Jong Un crosses new bridge into China as trade ties warm
The North Korean leader visits the border city of Dandong, crossing a newly opened bridge in a symbolic move seen as highlighting Beijing and Pyongyang's push to expand trade ties.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed a newly opened bridge into China, symbolizing a warming of trade ties between the two nations. The bridge, known as the New Yalu River Bridge, connects North Korea and China and is expected to improve the flow of heavy equipment, raw materials, and energy products vital for North Korea's development.
Beijing and Pyongyang have agreed to expand trade and personnel exchanges after years of delays and logistics bottlenecks. China remains North Korea's primary economic and diplomatic supporter, accounting for most of its official trade. Kim Jong Un's visit to Dandong, the Chinese border city, was accompanied by Wang Huning, China's fourth-highest-ranked official, who conveyed greetings from President Xi Jinping.
Kim toured a Dandong automobile factory and paid tribute at a Korean War memorial, acknowledging the role of Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers who fought alongside North Korea during the conflict. The opening of the bridge aims to rejuvenate trade and commerce after strained ties and pandemic-related disruptions. This visit aligns with the current phase of closer economic ties and increased high-level exchanges between China and North Korea.
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