China and North Korea have officially opened the New Yalu River Bridge, a major cross-border infrastructure project that had been delayed for more than a decade.

The opening ceremony for the bridge, which connects China’s Dandong city with North Korea’s Sinuiju city, was held on Thursday with the participation of officials from both countries. The project is expected to strengthen economic, trade and transportation links between the two neighbours.

The four-lane bridge spans approximately 3 kilometres across the Yalu River, also known as the Amnok River. It is expected to ease pressure on the older Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, which has long carried a significant portion of cross-border trade between the two countries.

Opening delayed for more than 10 years

The New Yalu River Bridge was originally scheduled to open in 2014 after China completed construction on its side. However, the project remained unused for years due to unfinished connecting infrastructure and customs facilities on the North Korean side, as well as pandemic-related border restrictions.

The delay had also been linked by observers to broader political and economic concerns, including North Korea’s cautious approach toward increasing economic dependence on China and tensions surrounding international sanctions over Pyongyang’s nuclear programme.

Leaders highlight economic cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in a video message that the bridge represented a new stage in relations between the two countries and would help expand trade cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song also delivered a video address during the opening ceremony.

The new crossing is expected to improve logistics between Dandong and Sinuiju and provide a more efficient route for the movement of goods. The bridge is also seen as part of efforts by Beijing and Pyongyang to deepen bilateral ties.

North Korea balances ties with China and Russia

The bridge’s opening comes at a time when North Korea has been strengthening relations with both China and Russia. Pyongyang recently expanded cooperation with Moscow, while Beijing remains North Korea’s largest trading partner and a key economic supporter.

Analysts say the new bridge could gradually increase cross-border trade, although the impact may remain limited in the short term due to international sanctions and existing economic restrictions.(ILKHA)