North Korea’s Kim crosses new bridge into China as trade ties warm

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un journeyed to the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday, as reported by Xinhua. He traversed a recently inaugurated bridge, a symbolic gesture underscoring the strengthening of economic bonds between Beijing and Pyongyang. Accompanied by Wang Huning, China's fourth-ranking official, Kim was said to have conveyed greetings from President Xi Jinping.

Kim entered Dandong via the New Yalu River Bridge, which links North Korea and China, according to a South Korean government source. This bridge, expected to facilitate the transport of heavy machinery, raw materials, and energy products, is a key development for North Korea's growth. Its official launch this month symbolizes the warming of relations between China and North Korea, following two summits between their leaders in the past year.

China, which fought alongside North Korea in the Korean War, remains Pyongyang's primary economic and diplomatic ally and accounts for the majority of its official trade. Chinese television broadcast images of Kim strolling across the bridge, lined with spectators holding flags, making his way to North Korea. Wang's visit to a Korean War memorial in Dandong, where Kim paid homage to Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers who fought alongside North Korea during the conflict, was also highlighted by Xinhua.

Additionally, Kim toured a Dandong automobile factory, further emphasizing the renewed focus on economic collaboration.