Kim Jong Un crosses new bridge to China on first visit in a year

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un entered China on a newly opened bridge, marking his first trip to the neighbour in a year. He stepped into the Chinese border city of Dandong after using the New Yalu River Bridge, which opened earlier this month after more than ten years of delay. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported the move, citing an unnamed government source. The South Korean presidential office and the Unification Ministry have not confirmed the report, and state media in both North Korea and China have not yet issued statements. The visit follows a shift in Kim’s diplomatic focus. After years of leaning heavily on Russia and sending troops and weapons to support President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, Kim has been looking to deepen ties with China, his traditional main ally and key source of economic aid. Months earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping travelled to Pyongyang in June, telling Kim that Beijing is ready to broaden cooperation in trade, farming, construction and technology. Kim responded that relations with China remain a top strategic priority. Kim’s last trip to Beijing was in September 2025, where he met Xi, observed a military parade alongside Putin and other foreign leaders, and reaffirmed the partnership.

Context

The new bridge shortens travel time between the two countries and signals a possible re‑balancing of North Korea’s foreign ties away from Russia toward China, a move that could affect regional trade and security dynamics.