New China and North Korea Bridge Opens After a Decade of Delay

The New Yalu River Bridge, connecting China and North Korea and completed after a delay of more than a decade, officially opened on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Bridge Opening Ceremony Held

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with the participation of officials from both countries for the opening of the new bridge connecting China and North Korea.

During the ceremony, trucks decorated with the national flags of both countries were seen waiting to cross the bridge.

Expectation of Contribution to Economic Relations

This four-lane, 3-kilometer-long new crossing point is expected to improve economic, trade, and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Located between China's Dandong city and North Korea's Sinuiju city, the bridge is projected to increase trade volume.

Opening Evaluations from Leaders

Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated in a video speech that relations between China and North Korea have entered a new stage.

North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song expressed his belief that the bridge will accelerate the two countries' progress toward shared prosperity.

Reason for the Long Delay

The bridge was originally expected to enter service in 2014, when construction on the Chinese side was completed, but North Korea had not completed the work on its side at that time.

Observers note that the new bridge will ease the burden of the other aging bridge on the Dandong-Sinuiju route.