New bridge linking China and North Korea opens after more than a decade of delay
After more than a decade of delay, the opening of the new bridge connecting the cities of Dandong and Sinuiju is set to boost trade between the two countries.
The New Yalu River Bridge, connecting China and North Korea and delayed for more than a decade due to infrastructure deficiencies, is opening on Thursday.
Technical Specifications and Location of the Bridge
The four-lane, 3-kilometer-long new bridge connects the city of Dandong in northeastern China with the city of Sinuiju in North Korea.
Reasons for the Decade-Long Delay
The bridge was expected to open in 2014, but the process was prolonged due to the failure to carry out infrastructure work on the North Korean side.
Expected Impact on Trade Relations
The new connection will ease the burden on the old 1937 bridge, which carries more than 70% of official trade between the two countries.
Regional Diplomacy and Developments
The announcement of the opening ceremony comes about a month after North Korea and Russia opened a new bridge over the Tumen River.