China and North Korea open a new border bridge after a 12-year delay

Dandong to Sinuiju

China and North Korea border

The New Yalu River Bridge spans 3 km from the Chinese city of Dandong to Sinuiju in North Korea, and is set to become the main land route for trade between them.

Background

Construction began in 2011 and ended on the Chinese side in 2014, but North Korea only finished its roads and customs facilities this year, after repeated pauses amid tensions with Beijing.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang called the bridge a “new landmark symbolising the traditional friendship between China and North Korea”.

— Li Qiang, Chinese premier

China and North Korea trade in 2025

2.74 US$ billion

Two-way trade grew 25 per cent in 2025 to US$2.74 billion, according to Chinese customs figures, but analysts say a sudden jump is unlikely while UN sanctions remain in effect.

World · 19 d ago

China and North Korea open a new border bridge after a 12-year delay

The New Yalu River Bridge spans 3 km from the Chinese city of Dandong to Sinuiju in North Korea, and is set to become the main land route for trade between them.

Construction began in 2011 and ended on the Chinese side in 2014, but North Korea only finished its roads and customs facilities this year, after repeated pauses amid tensions with Beijing.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang called the bridge a “new landmark symbolising the traditional friendship between China and North Korea”.

Two-way trade grew 25 per cent in 2025 to US$2.74 billion, according to Chinese customs figures, but analysts say a sudden jump is unlikely while UN sanctions remain in effect.

China and North Korea open a new border bridge after a 12-year delay

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