--- title: "China and North Korea Open Second Border Bridge Across Yalu River 12 Years After Construction Completion" description: "China and North Korea opened the second border bridge across the Yalu River connecting Dandong and Sinuiju on October 15. The crossing was put into operation 12 years after construction completion." date: 2026-10-16T21:26:49.935Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/china-and-north-korea-open-yalu-river-bridge tags: [china, north-korea, yalu-river, bridge, trade, infrastructure] author: "Darya Fomina" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # China and North Korea Open Second Border Bridge Across Yalu River 12 Years After Construction Completion ![New cable-stayed bridge across the Yalu River connecting China and North Korea](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/16/kitay-i-severnaya-koreya-otkryli-most-cherez-reku-yalu/kitay-i-severnaya-koreya-otkryli-most-cherez-reku-yalu-1.webp) ## Key Points - On October 15, the second road bridge between China and North Korea across the Yalu River (Dandong - Sinuiju) was opened. - The cable-stayed bridge is about 3 km long, 28.5 m wide, has 4 lanes, with a design speed of up to 100 km/h. - The main structure was completed in 2014, but the opening was delayed due to an unfinished customs checkpoint. - The ceremony featured a recorded address by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on trade development and people-to-people ties. - Construction costs were not officially announced; Chinese media estimate it at 2.2 billion yuan (~$329 million). 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. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Китай и Северная Корея открыли для движения транспорта пограничный мост Синьап-Луцзян.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/trung-quoc-trieu-tien-thong-xe-cau-bien-gioi-tan-ap-luc-giang) - Primary source: ceremony date October 15, recorded address by Li Qiang, length ~3 km, 4 lanes, construction completion 2014, delay due to customs checkpoint. - [Китай и Северная Корея открыли второй мост длиной около 3 км](https://www.up.mk.ua/ru/articles/191630) - Cable-stayed bridge, width 28.5 m, speed 100 km/h, estimated cost 2.2 billion yuan (~$329M), second bridge, China is DPRK's largest partner under UN sanctions. - [КНР и КНДР открыли трансграничный мост через реку Ялуцзян](https://www.osnmedia.ru/world/knr-i-kndr-otkryli-transgranichnyj-most-cherez-reku-yalutszyan/) - Opening on Thursday morning per China Central Television; groundbreaking 2010, construction completion 2014; parameters 3 km / 28.5 m / 4 lanes / 100 km/h. - [Китай и Северная Корея открыли второй мост длиной почти 3 км](https://korrespondent.net/world/4920518-kytai-y-severnaia-koreia-otkryly-vtoroi-most-dlynoi-pochty-3-km) - Confirmation of the 'second bridge' status and Li Qiang's statements at the ceremony. ## FAQ ### Where is the opened bridge located and what cities does it connect? The bridge across the Yalu River connects the Chinese city of Dandong in Liaoning province with the North Korean city of Sinuiju. ### What are the main parameters of the crossing? A cable-stayed bridge about 3 km long and 28.5 m wide, with four lanes for two-way traffic and a design speed of up to 100 km/h. ### Why was the opening delayed for 12 years after construction was completed? The main structure was finished in 2014, but commissioning was delayed due to unfinished supporting facilities, notably the customs checkpoint; momentum picked up amid strengthening bilateral ties. ### How much did the bridge cost to build? The official cost has not been disclosed; according to Chinese media estimates, the budget is about 2.2 billion yuan, roughly equal to 329 million dollars.