New four-lane bridge opens between China, North Korea

China and North Korea open New Yalu River Bridge after 12-year delay

The full report

The New Yalu River Bridge between China and North Korea has finally opened, 12 years after its construction was completed in 2014. The bridge is a significant land border crossing aimed at rejuvenating trade and commerce between the two nations.

A ceremony was held to launch the bridge, with Chinese state media Xinhua News reporting on the event. The bridge was decorated with flags, and trucks adorned with the national flags of China and North Korea were seen crossing the bridge.

The opening of the bridge marks a significant sign of warming ties between China and North Korea, which have conducted two summits between their leaders in the past year. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in a video address that the border crossing would 'strongly promote' economic and trade cooperation.

Experts believe that the bridge will help move heavy equipment and raw materials that North Korea needs for development, but it is unlikely to lead to a full-scale return to pre-sanctions trade immediately. Ahn Chan-il, a researcher originally from North Korea, expects hundreds of vehicles to cross the bridge every day.

The bridge's opening is also seen as a sign of China's continued support for North Korea, despite strained ties in the past. China is North Korea's largest trading partner and a vital diplomatic and political backer.