China, North Korea to open long-delayed bridge on Thursday
The 3-kilometer bridge was completed in 2014 and is expected to ease trade on a route that handles more than 70% of official commerce.
- Residents gathered near the New Yalu River Bridge in Dandong this week, amid rumors that its opening will soon end a 12-year delay. The Chinese side has completed its approach roads and customs facilities.
- Although China completed the bridge in 2014, North Korea left its facilities unfinished as relations soured over nuclear tests and sanctions. Work resumed following a visit by Chinese President Jinping.
- Dandong's economy grew just 0.3% in the first half of 2026 against a national figure of 4.7%, with investment falling a third and new home sales down 28%. City data shows the bridge delay significantly hampered the city.
- The Guomenwan trade zone, launched with a 1 billion yuan investment, now features mostly empty storefronts. A manager said, "This doesn't have much to do with us" when asked about the bridge opening.
- Most goods still cross about 10 km upstream at an 83-year-old bridge, as North Korea has not reopened to Chinese tourists since 2020. "They've cut themselves off from the world," said Zhang, a passerby near the new infrastructure.
115 Articles
115 Articles
China, North Korea to open long-delayed bridge on Oct 15
BEIJING/SEOUL — The long-delayed New Yalu River Bridge linking China and North Korea will open on Thursday (Oct 15), Chinese state news agency Xinhua said on Wednesday, signalling a renewed push to boost trade despite Pyongyang's lingering wariness of greater economic dependence.The two sides will jointly hold an opening ceremony, the Xinhua report said. North Korea's state media did not...
Both countries will hold a joint opening ceremony, but have not specified when the usual transit will begin.
China and the DPRK will open a 3 km long road bridge, which will become the main route for cargo transportation between the countries.
China-North Korea bridge to open Thursday, 12 years late
China is North Korea's largest trading partner and a vital source of diplomatic, economic and political support for the reclusive nuclear state, although Pyongyang has also deepened ties with Moscow. The 3,026-metre (9,927-feet) New Yalu River vehicle bridge links China's northeastern border city of Dandong to one of the most isolated countries in the world. The four-lane structure was completed in 2014 but its opening was delayed due to a lack …
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