North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in China's border city

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrives in China's border city of Dandong via newly opened bridge

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly arrived in the Chinese border city of Dandong via a newly opened bridge linking the two countries, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. The bridge, known as the New Yalu River Bridge, was completed in 2014 but remained unused for 12 years due to a lack of connecting roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side. It officially opened about a week ago, marking a step towards strengthening economic ties between the neighbouring countries.

China is North Korea's largest trading partner and a key source of diplomatic, economic and political support for the isolated, nuclear-armed state, though relations between the two have not always been smooth. The visit comes about a week after a major new bridge linking the two countries was officially opened, 12 years after its completion, deepening economic ties between the Asian giant and its small nuclear-armed neighbour.

The four-lane bridge was completed in 2014 but remained unused for 12 years due to a lack of connecting roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side. It officially opened about a week ago, marking a step towards strengthening economic ties between the neighbouring countries. China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and a key source of diplomatic, economic and political support for the isolated, nuclear-armed state, though relations between the two have not always been smooth.

North Korea's trade with Russia largely involves military supplies, trade with China could provide goods needed to develop its civilian economy, analysts say. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google by clicking here and hitting the "star" or "preferred" button, so you'll always see our verified news first.