China and North Korea have inaugurated, after 12 years of waiting, a bridge connecting the two states

China and North Korea have announced the inauguration of a new bridge over the Yalu River, which marks the border between the two countries. The construction connects the Chinese city of Dandong to North Korea and is presented as a step toward strengthening economic and logistical relations between Beijing and Pyongyang.

The bridge, completed in 2014, was opened with a delay due to problems related to road infrastructure and customs facilities on North Korean territory. The link is intended to provide an alternative and, over time, replace the China–North Korea Friendship Bridge, whose capacity is limited.

The inauguration takes place against the backdrop of the gradual resumption of ties between the two states: Air China has resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang after a six-year hiatus, and the two countries have also reopened the railway link suspended in 2020. At the same time, access to North Korea remains strictly limited, while China remains Pyongyang’s main diplomatic and economic supporter.

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