New Yalu River Bridge Linking China and North Korea to Open After Delays

A new bridge linking China and North Korea is scheduled to open on Thursday after more than a decade of delays, indicating closer ties between the two countries. The official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that both sides will hold a ceremony for the launch of the New Yalu River Bridge. This four-lane, 1.8-mile bridge will connect the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong to the North Korean city of Sinuiju. The bridge was initially expected to enter use in 2014, following the completion of access roads, customs facilities, and other infrastructure on the Chinese side. However, the opening was delayed due to a lack of corresponding work on the North Korean side. This situation led to frustration among Dandong residents, as reported by the Global Times, a newspaper affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party. Speculation arose that North Korea was cautious about increasing economic dependence on China or was dissatisfied with China's support for United Nations sanctions against North Korea's nuclear program. Observers noted potential disagreements between North Korea and China regarding the bridge's location. The new bridge is expected to alleviate pressure on an existing, aging bridge on the Dandong-Sinuiju route, which currently handles over 70% of official trade between the two countries. The old bridge, built in 1937, accommodates both railway and vehicle traffic, but only allows one-way vehicle movement at a time. The South Korean government reported last year that there are at least 17 active road and rail links across the North Korea-China border, which spans over 870 miles. The opening of the new bridge is anticipated to gradually enhance bilateral trade and logistical efficiency. However, experts suggest that there may not be an immediate surge in Chinese exports to North Korea, as Beijing is likely to consider Pyongyang's interests. According to Gyubeom Kim, an expert at Seoul’s Institute for National Security Strategy, North Korea's exports of processed goods, food products, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages to China could increase. The bridge's opening follows the recent inauguration of a 0.6-mile road bridge between North Korea and Russia, aimed at strengthening relations. Analysts indicate that Chinese officials may have felt uneasy about the North Korea-Russia bridge, which is expected to facilitate daily passage for up to 300 vehicles. In contrast, the North Korea-China bridge is larger and designed for continuous two-way traffic, including containers and heavy cargo trucks, according to Jeong Eun-i from South Korea’s Institute for National Unification. China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner, although Kim Jong Un has recently prioritized relations with Moscow, providing military support to Russia in exchange for assistance. Kim has also sought to strengthen ties with China to bolster the economy and counter the United States. In 2022, approximately 98% of North Korea’s external trade was with China. The bridge's opening has been anticipated since Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang in June for discussions with Kim, during which Xi expressed a commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, while Kim emphasized the importance of ties with China.