Kim Jong Un Crosses into China via New Bridge, Deepening Ties

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly arrived in the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, citing a government source. This visit follows the official opening of a new bridge connecting North Korea and China approximately one week prior. The bridge, which officially opened after a 12-year delay since its completion, is expected to strengthen economic ties between China, a major economic power, and North Korea, its smaller, nuclear-armed neighbor.

China stands as North Korea’s most significant trading partner and provides crucial diplomatic, economic, and political support, despite historical fluctuations in their relationship. Yonhap reported that Kim crossed into Dandong via the New Yalu River Bridge earlier in the day. The four-lane bridge was finished in 2014, but its inauguration was postponed due to the absence of necessary connecting roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side, as indicated by South Korean news outlets.

Kim Jong Un’s most recent documented trip to China was in September 2025, when he attended the 80th Victory Day celebrations in Beijing. During that visit, he engaged in a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting followed Xi Jinping’s state visit to North Korea in June, signaling an improvement in bilateral relations.