China and North Korea Open Major Bridge after 12-Year Delay

China and North Korea have opened a major bridge after a 12-year delay, marking a significant development expected to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries.  According to Reuters, the inauguration ceremony for the new Yalu River Bridge was held on Thursday. The Associated Press (AP) and China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency also confirmed the opening. An online video released by state media showed the bridge and trucks parked on it, displaying the national flags of China and North Korea.

According to the report, the four-lane bridge is approximately three kilometres long and connects Dandong, a city in northeastern China, with Sinuiju in North Korea. Beijing expects the new connection to promote economic activity, trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.  Speaking via video at the inauguration ceremony, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said relations between China and North Korea had entered a new phase, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

According to Xinhua, Li Qiang described the bridge as a new milestone symbolising the traditional friendship between the two countries. North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song also addressed the ceremony via video, expressing hope that both countries would use the opening of the bridge as an opportunity to improve connectivity and explore possibilities for cooperation in border regions.

Why Was the Bridge Delayed for 12 Years?

According to AP, the bridge was initially expected to open for use in 2014, when China had completed construction on its side. However, North Korea had not completed the necessary infrastructure work on its side.  The lack of construction progress in the North Korean city of Sinuiju prompted speculation that Pyongyang was wary of becoming increasingly economically dependent on China. Another possibility was that North Korea was unhappy with China’s votes in favor of United Nations resolutions aimed at tightening sanctions over its nuclear program.  Some observers also suggested that the two countries might have disagreed over the bridge’s location. The opening of the bridge has now created greater opportunities to expand land connectivity and trade between the two countries. However, its actual economic impact will depend on future trade activity and the level of bilateral cooperation.