China and North Korea open long-delayed border bridge to boost trade

China and North Korea have officially opened a major border bridge after more than a decade of delays, marking a new step towards strengthening economic ties and reviving cross-border trade between the two countries.

The New Yalu River Bridge, which connects the North Korean city of Sinuiju with the Dandong New Zone in China’s Liaoning province, began operating officially on Thursday. The crossing is expected to improve the movement of goods and support commercial activity after years of disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and strained bilateral relations.

The bridge, stretching approximately three kilometres, was completed in 2014 but remained unused until its official opening. In recent days, trucks carrying Chinese and North Korean flags were seen gathering near the crossing, while crowds assembled on the Chinese side to witness the development.

Chinese and North Korean flags lined the cable-stayed structure, which features towering pylons. However, infrastructure work on the North Korean side remains incomplete, with approach roads and a customs facility still requiring further development.

China’s state news agency Xinhua reported that an opening ceremony was held on Thursday. North Korean state media had not reported the event at the time of publication.

The opening comes as Beijing and Pyongyang seek to improve relations following two summit meetings between their leaders over the past year. China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner, despite international sanctions imposed over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

The United Nations sanctions regime has restricted various goods and labour exchanges with North Korea. China and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, supported sanctions resolutions in earlier years but have subsequently questioned their effectiveness and legitimacy.

Analysts believe the new bridge could help North Korea obtain heavy machinery, raw materials and energy products needed for infrastructure and development projects. It could also facilitate the movement of commercial goods and improve transport links between the neighbouring countries.

However, the opening is not expected to restore trade immediately to levels recorded before tighter sanctions were imposed in 2017. Experts say North Korea remains cautious about becoming excessively dependent on China, despite the potential economic benefits of closer commercial ties.

Pyongyang has also strengthened its relationship with Moscow. The United States and South Korea have accused Russia of providing sensitive military assistance to North Korea in exchange for its support in the war against Ukraine.

China’s exports to North Korea reached $2.3 billion last year, marking a 25 per cent increase from the previous year and the highest level in six years. Despite the growth, exports remained below the levels recorded before the tightening of UN sanctions in 2017.

The bridge’s opening could provide fresh momentum to bilateral commerce and improve the movement of essential supplies. Its long-term economic impact, however, will depend on the completion of supporting infrastructure, the enforcement of international sanctions and the willingness of both countries to expand cross-border trade.