China and North Korea have opened a long-delayed border bridge, marking an important step in efforts to strengthen relations and expand trade between the two countries.
According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, an opening ceremony for the New Yalu River Bridge, which connects the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong with the North Korean border city of Sinuiju, was held on Thursday.
The bridge, approximately 3 kilometres long and built with four lanes, is intended to facilitate the movement of goods and vehicles between the two countries. Trucks decorated with the national flags of China and North Korea were seen at the opening ceremony.
In a video address, Chinese Premier Li Qiang described the bridge as a “new landmark” representing the traditional friendship between the two countries. He also urged both sides to use the new bridge to improve connectivity and expand cooperation in border areas.
The opening of the new bridge is expected to reduce reliance on the ageing Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge. The existing bridge accommodates both railway traffic and vehicles, but it allows traffic to move in only one direction at a time, creating limitations for transportation and cargo movement.
According to Chinese data, more than 70 percent of official trade between China and North Korea passes through the old bridge. South Korean government records also indicate that at least 17 active road and railway links connect North Korea and China along their shared border.
The opening comes as North Korea seeks to reduce its economic isolation by strengthening relations with both China and Russia. The new bridge could help improve trade and cross-border transportation between China and North Korea, although its actual use and impact on bilateral trade remain to be seen.
Source: Xinhua News Agency.
