North Korean leader crosses new border bridge to China

Kim Jong-un arrived in Dandong, China, on Saturday after crossing the New Yalu River Bridge. The North Korean leader met with Wang Huning, a member of the standing committee of China's Communist party. The two men toured a car factory and pledged to strengthen relations between their countries.

Xinhua news agency quoted Kim as saying North Korea stands ready to work with China to carry forward their historical friendship and expand practical cooperation. The agency reported that Wang accompanied Kim to the bridge to see him off. South Korea's unification ministry, which handles North Korea affairs, confirmed the arrival.

The 3km bridge opened in mid-October, 12 years after China completed construction. Delays on the North Korean side had stalled the project. In early September, North Korea and Russia opened the first road bridge across their short border. These developments mean Pyongyang is now linked by road to its two main backers.

Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that traffic controls were put in place around the bridge and near a museum dedicated to China's role in the Korean war. Nearby hotel bookings were restricted. Diplomatic sources told the agency the measures were tied to a visit by a senior North Korean official.

This is Kim's sixth visit to China and his first since September 2025. He attended a military parade in Beijing at that time alongside Chinese president Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Xi visited Pyongyang in June, marking his first trip to the country in seven years.

Relations with South Korea have worsened in recent weeks. Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has issued about 10 statements criticizing Seoul since late September. South Korea's unification ministry described this frequency as unusual. She also announced plans to resume loudspeaker broadcasts at the border within days.

The trip comes ahead of the October 25 anniversary of China's first major victory in the Korean war. That win followed days after Chinese troops crossed the Yalu River into North Korea in October 1950. Xi will host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen on November 18 and 19. Reuters reported on Friday that US and South Korean officials see little chance of a meeting between Kim and Donald Trump this year.