China and North Korea open new border bridge after long delay

China and North Korea have opened a long-delayed road bridge connecting the two countries, according to reports from the BBC and the South China Morning Post. The BBC reported that Chinese state media announced the opening of the structure, while the South China Morning Post and Yahoo News UK reported that an official opening ceremony was scheduled for Thursday. [1][4][11]

The New Yalu River Bridge spans three kilometres, or 1.9 miles, from the border city of Dandong in China to Sinuiju in North Korea, according to the BBC. Euronews reported that the structure is a four-lane bridge. The link is designed to serve as the main land route for commercial trade between the two neighbouring states. [1][7]

The opening comes after a 12-year delay. According to the BBC, the launch was originally planned for 2014 but was postponed indefinitely after North Korea halted the construction of its connecting roads and customs facilities during a period of strained relations with Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a video address to mark the launch. [1][4]

North Korea shares its northern border with China along the Yalu River. China remains the largest trading partner of North Korea and serves as a vital economic connection against heavy international sanctions imposed over the nuclear weapons programme of Pyongyang, the BBC reported. [1][12]

Euronews reported that the opening of the bridge comes approximately one month after North Korea and Russia opened a separate road bridge as part of their efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. [7]