Border bridge between Dandong and Sinuiju finally opens after 12 years
Trade between the neighbors, hurt by tensions and pandemic disruption, is expected to recover through the crossing linking Dandong and Sinuiju. The bridge was finished in 2014 but sat unused for roughly 12 years.
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What happened
China and North Korea have opened the New Yalu River Bridge, which links the Chinese city of Dandong with Sinuiju in North Korea, after more than a decade of delay. North Korea's state media said on Friday that an opening ceremony had been held, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song sending messages by video.
Why it matters
The bridge is being promoted as a symbol of the neighbors' long-standing friendship and of deeper ties between them. UN sanctions are expected to keep any sharp rise in trade unlikely.
Timeline
- Oct 15, 3:51 AM ET: The new bridge between China and North Korea opens after more than a decade of delay.
- Oct 15, 6:59 PM ET: A ceremony marks the opening, and North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song sends a congratulatory message by video.
- Oct 15, 11:08 PM ET: Chinese Premier Li Qiang makes a speech by video as the bridge opens in North Phyongan Province.
- Oct 16, 4:39 AM ET: The first North Korean trucks cross the river, flying red flags, while Chinese citizens gather to photograph the scene.
Coverage
- Two Bridges (One Russian and One Chinese) to Break Kim Jong-un's Isolation (AP)
- North Korea China New Bridge (AP)
- N. Korea reports opening of new cross-border bridge with China (Yonhap)
- N. Korea, China hold ceremony to open new bridge (Yonhap)
- North Korea Says Opening Ceremony Was Held for New Bridge to China (Reuters)
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