On October 15, China and North Korea held an opening ceremony for a road bridge across the Yalu River (Amnok River), which marks the border between the two states. The crossing connects the city of Dandong in China's northeastern Liaoning province with the North Korean city of Sinuiju, becoming the second bridge linking the two countries. The commissioning of the facility took place 12 years after the main construction was completed, which itself became a notable event in bilateral relations.
Technical Characteristics of the Crossing
The bridge is built as a cable-stayed structure with a length of about 3 km and a width of 28.5 m. It features four lanes for two-way traffic of cars and trucks, with a design speed of up to 100 km/h. The official construction cost has not been disclosed: according to Chinese media estimates, the project budget was about 2.2 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately 329 million dollars. The main construction work was completed by 2014, while the groundbreaking reportedly took place back in 2010.
Ceremony and Address by the Chinese Premier
At the opening ceremony held on the morning of October 15, a pre-recorded address by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's successor, State Council Premier Li Qiang, was shown. According to the Chinese state agency Xinhua and China Central Television, the head of government stated that the bridge will promote the development of trade and economic cooperation, expand cross-border and humanitarian exchanges, and improve transport links between border regions. Li Qiang called the new crossing a "new symbol" of traditional friendship between the two countries and expressed hope for further simplification of customs procedures at border checkpoints.
Reasons for the 12-Year Delay
Despite the completion of the main structure back in 2014, the opening of the bridge for traffic was delayed. According to sources, the delay was attributed to incomplete construction of supporting facilities, particularly the customs checkpoint. Work accelerated amid recent steps by both sides to strengthen bilateral relations, after which it was decided to commission the crossing.
Economic Context and Significance for Trade
China remains North Korea's largest trading partner despite existing UN Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea over its development of missile and nuclear weapons. Under these conditions, the new crossing is viewed by both parties as a tool to expand cross-border trade and exchange. The bridge is expected to lower logistical barriers between the border areas of Dandong and Sinuiju and create additional channels for economic interaction between the two countries.
