North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday, travelling across the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge as Pyongyang and Beijing moved to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The visit marked Kim’s first trip to China in more than a year. He met Wang Huning, a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party’s leadership, who conveyed greetings from President Xi Jinping.
Kim also visited a memorial commemorating China’s role in the 1950–53 Korean War. According to North Korean state media, he reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining close relations with China and expanding cooperation between the two countries.
The New Yalu River Bridge, which connects Dandong with North Korea, opened after more than a decade of delays. The crossing is designed to accommodate two-way traffic, including heavy trucks and container shipments, providing additional capacity for trade between the neighbouring countries.
Kim and Wang also toured a car factory during the visit. The North Korean leader returned home across the bridge, underscoring its significance as a new transport connection.
China remains North Korea’s principal trading partner and an important source of economic support. The bridge’s opening comes as the two governments seek closer commercial ties following a period in which Pyongyang expanded its military and diplomatic cooperation with Russia.
The visit also coincided with commemorations of China’s intervention in the Korean War, giving the trip both economic and historical significance.