Kim Jong-un enters China via newly opened New Yalu River Bridge

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday, marking his first visit to China in over a year. The journey utilized a newly opened bridge over the New Yalu River, signaling a deepening of ties between the two nations.

Kim’s arrival was confirmed by South Korea’s unification ministry and China’s official Xinhua news agency. Upon entering Dandong, the North Korean leader met with Wang Huning, a member of the Chinese Communist Party’s standing committee. According to state media, the two officials toured a car factory and pledged to strengthen strategic communication and bilateral cooperation.

The trip inaugurated the New Yalu River Bridge, a 3km four-lane structure that had remained unused for 12 years. Deutsche Welle reported that although China finished the bridge in 2014, delays on the North Korean side regarding customs facilities and connecting roads prevented it from opening until mid-October 2026. This development follows the September opening of a road bridge connecting North Korea and Russia.

During the visit, Kim stated that North Korea is ready to "expand practical cooperation" to provide tangible benefits to both peoples, as reported by Xinhua. Security was notably high in Dandong, with Japan's Kyodo news agency reporting traffic restrictions near the bridge and a museum, along with limitations on local hotel bookings.

While the specific itinerary remains unclear, the visit coincides with the anniversary of China’s entry into the Korean War. The Guardian noted that the diplomatic move comes as relations between North and South Korea have worsened, characterized by frequent critical statements from Pyongyang toward Seoul in recent weeks.

Background

This visit is Kim’s sixth trip to China and his first since September 2025. China remains North Korea’s primary trading partner and a critical source of diplomatic and economic support for the country.