Kim Jong Un crosses new bridge linking North Korea and China
News Source
β’Sat, 24 Oct 2026 18:00:20 +0000
π° What Happened
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walked across a newly opened bridge over the Yalu River into China. Chinese state media showed him waving to crowds as he crossed. The bridge links North Korea with its closest ally and biggest trading partner.
The crossing is meant to carry more trucks and goods between the two countries. China supplies North Korea with most of its food, fuel and factory products. Officials on both sides have called the link a boost for trade.
π The Backstory
Most trade between the two countries already crosses the Yalu River at Dandong, where an older bridge has been used for decades. North Korea shut its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and trade fell sharply. Traffic has been slowly building back since.
China is by far North Korea's largest trading partner. Trade and aid from Beijing help keep the North Korean economy running, which gives China a lot of leverage in the region.
π― Why It Matters
More trade can mean more food and goods inside North Korea. The bridge also shows how much power China still holds over its isolated neighbour.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walked across a newly opened bridge over the Yalu River into China. Chinese state media showed him waving to crowds as he crossed. The bridge links North Korea with its closest ally and biggest trading partner.
The crossing is meant to carry more trucks and goods between the two countries. China supplies North Korea with most of its food, fuel and factory products. Officials on both sides have called the link a boost for trade.
Most trade between the two countries already crosses the Yalu River at Dandong, where an older bridge has been used for decades. North Korea shut its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and trade fell sharply. Traffic has been slowly building back since.
China is by far North Korea's largest trading partner. Trade and aid from Beijing help keep the North Korean economy running, which gives China a lot of leverage in the region.
More trade can mean more food and goods inside North Korea. The bridge also shows how much power China still holds over its isolated neighbour.