North Korea and China open New Yalu River Bridge, marking “new chapter” in bilateral ties

On Thursday, the long-delayed New Yalu River Bridge opened between China and North Korea, connecting the Chinese city of Dandong to the North Korean city of Sinuiju. Spanning three kilometres and featuring four lanes, it is the largest border crossing between the two countries and is intended to replace the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, built in 1943. The new bridge was originally due to open in 2014, but its inauguration was postponed indefinitely after North Korea halted construction amid deteriorating relations with Beijing.

In a video address on Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called the bridge a “new landmark symbolising the traditional friendship between China and North Korea” and said the two countries were “opening a new chapter” in bilateral ties. The opening comes just one month after North Korea and Russia inaugurated their first road bridge. Analysts have warned that these developments could facilitate trade between North Korea and its allies, potentially undermining international sanctions. Yet Pyongyang is also wary of becoming even more dependent on China. Decades of sanctions have left it heavily reliant on Beijing for external trade, while its trade deficit with China has widened in recent years.

The relationship between North Korea and China is often described as being “as close as lips and teeth”, but it has come under strain in the past. In the 2010s, China openly opposed North Korea’s nuclear programme, though it has since softened its stance. Analysts attribute this shift partly to the growing ties between Russia and North Korea since the start of the war in Ukraine and believe Beijing is now rekindling relations with Pyongyang to reassert its influence. At least 2,300 North Korean soldiers are believed to have died fighting in Ukraine, while Russia has reportedly supplied North Korea with oil in return for its military support.

References:

Ewe, K., & Khan, J. (2026, October 15). North Korea and China open new bridge after 12-year delay. BBC News.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck1exgw3j115o

Choe, S.-H. (2026, October 15). North Korea and China open their biggest border bridge. The New York Times.https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/15/world/asia/north-korea-china-bridge-yalu.html