China and North Korea to open New Yalu River Bridge, state media reports

Key Points:

• China and North Korea will officially open the New Yalu River Bridge to traffic on Thursday, marking a significant step in boosting trade ties after years of delay due to strained relations.
• China completed its side of the bridge in 2014, but North Korea left its side unfinished amid diplomatic tensions following Beijing's support for UN sanctions on Pyongyang’s nuclear tests.
• China-North Korea trade has increased, with Chinese exports to North Korea reaching a six-year high of $2.3 billion in 2023, reflecting gradual improvements in bilateral relations since 2018.
• North Korea's growing partnership with Russia, including a 2024 strategic partnership treaty and military cooperation in Ukraine, has shifted its diplomatic dependencies, potentially reducing reliance on China.
• Despite improved ties with China, North Korea has not resumed issuing tourism visas to Chinese citizens, and trade with China remains crucial for civilian economic needs, contrasting with its military-focused trade with Russia.