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North Korea's Kim crosses new bridge into China as trade ties warm
Reuters • • world
Key Points:
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Chinese border city of Dandong, crossing the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge, symbolizing strengthened trade ties between Beijing and Pyongyang.
- Kim was accompanied by China's top official Wang Huning, who brought greetings from President Xi Jinping, highlighting the warming relationship after recent summits.
- The New Yalu River Bridge, opened this month, is expected to boost trade by facilitating the transport of heavy equipment, raw materials, and energy products vital for North Korea's development.
- Despite North Korea's growing military ties with Russia, the visit signals a renewed focus on economic cooperation with China, with Wang expressing readiness to expand personnel exchanges and trade.
- Kim paid tribute to Chinese soldiers at a Korean War memorial and toured a local factory, reinforcing historical and economic ties; meanwhile, US-South Korea officials see diminishing chances of talks between Kim and President Trump this year.
