Kim Jong-un Opens New Yalu River Crossing to Dandong

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un crossed into China on Saturday to open a new road link to the city of Dandong.

The visit centered on the New Yalu River Bridge, a 3km structure that finally opened in mid-October. The project faced a 12-year wait after China finished its side of the construction, with delays attributed to work on the North Korean side. By opening this route, Pyongyang now has direct road access to both its primary backers, China and Russia, following the opening of a similar border bridge to Moscow in early September.

The timeline of this trip aligns with diplomatic milestones. The crossing occurred just days before October 25, the anniversary of China's first major victory in the Korean War. That historical win followed Chinese troops crossing the Yalu River in 1950. Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that traffic controls were placed around the bridge and a local war museum on Saturday. Nearby hotel bookings were also restricted, a measure diplomatic sources linked to the high-profile visit.

During the trip, Kim met with Wang Huning, a member of the standing committee of China's Communist Party. The two toured a car factory in Dandong and pledged to deepen their relationship. Kim stated that North Korea is ready to work with China to expand practical cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to their peoples. Wang accompanied Kim to the bridge for his departure, according to Xinhua News Agency.

This marks Kim's sixth trip to China and his first since September 2025. He previously attended a military parade in Beijing with President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Xi reciprocated by visiting Pyongyang in June, his first trip there in seven years. The timing of these exchanges contrasts with the current state of relations with South Korea. Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has issued about 10 statements criticizing Seoul since late September. South Korea's unification ministry described this frequency as unusual. She also announced plans to restart loudspeaker broadcasts at the border within days.

Looking ahead, the diplomatic calendar includes the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen on November 18 and 19. That event has raised questions about potential meetings between Kim and Donald Trump. However, US and South Korean officials told Reuters on Friday that they see little chance of such a meeting taking place this year.