Kim Jong-un arrives in Dandong via newly opened Yalu bridge to meet Wang Huning

Kim Jong-un crossed the New Yalu River Bridge on Saturday, marking the inaugural use of the 3-kilometer structure that links North Korea to the Chinese border city of Dandong. The unification ministry in South Korea and Xinhua news agency in China confirmed the arrival. The bridge had been under construction for 12 years, with the final phase delayed on the North Korean side before opening in mid-October.

Upon arrival, Kim met with Wang Huning, a member of the standing committee of the Communist Party of China. The two officials toured a local automobile factory and discussed strengthening bilateral ties. Kim stated that North Korea stands ready to work with China to carry forward their historical friendship and expand practical cooperation, aiming to deliver tangible benefits to both populations. Wang later escorted Kim to the bridge for his departure.

The timing of the visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of China's first major victory in the Korean War, which occurred in October 1950. Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that traffic controls were implemented around the bridge and a nearby museum dedicated to the conflict. Hotel bookings in the area were also restricted, measures diplomatic sources linked to the high-level visit.

This trip represents Kim's sixth journey to China and his first since September 2025. At that time, he attended a military parade in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Xi had previously visited Pyongyang in June, his first trip there in seven years. The new bridge completes a road link between Pyongyang and its two main backers, following the opening of a similar crossing on the North Korea-Russia border in early September.

Relations with South Korea have deteriorated in recent weeks. Kim Yo Jong, Kim's sister, has issued approximately 10 statements criticizing Seoul since late September. South Korea's unification ministry described the frequency of these remarks as unusual. She also announced plans to resume loudspeaker broadcasts at the border within days.

Attention now turns to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, scheduled for November 18 and 19. The event has fueled speculation about a potential meeting between Kim and Donald Trump. However, US and South Korean officials told Reuters on Friday that they see little chance of such a meeting occurring this year.