North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China on Saturday, October 24, 2026, crossing the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge into the Chinese border city of Dandong, according to the Associated Press and South Korean officials.
The visit marks Kim’s first trip to China since September 2025 and comes as Pyongyang seeks to strengthen relations with Beijing, its longtime ally and a major source of economic support.
During the visit, Kim met Wang Huning, a senior member of China’s Communist Party leadership. The two visited an automobile factory and discussed strengthening cooperation between their countries, according to China’s state news agency, Xinhua.
The New Yalu River Bridge connects Dandong in China’s Liaoning province with Sinuiju in North Korea. Stretching approximately three kilometres, the four-lane bridge was completed in 2014 but remained unused for years before officially opening on October 15, 2026.
The bridge is expected to facilitate cross-border trade and travel, including the movement of heavy cargo and container shipments. It could also reduce congestion at the older Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, which has served as the principal crossing between the two countries for decades.
Its opening represents a significant infrastructure development as Beijing and Pyongyang seek to deepen their economic relationship.
During his meeting with Wang, Kim expressed North Korea’s willingness to build on the two countries’ historical friendship and expand practical cooperation for the benefit of both populations, according to Xinhua.
The visit also came ahead of the October 25 anniversary commemorating Chinese troops’ entry into the Korean War in 1950. Kim reportedly visited a Korean War memorial during his trip.
North Korea has strengthened its relationship with Russia in recent years, including through military cooperation related to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Its renewed engagement with China comes as Pyongyang seeks to maintain close ties with both countries.
The visit comes amid continuing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and renewed interest in possible US–North Korea dialogue. US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in meeting Kim, although no confirmed meeting has been announced for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China.
For now, Kim’s visit underscores the importance of North Korea’s relationship with Beijing. Whether the renewed emphasis on economic cooperation leads to broader diplomatic developments remains uncertain.
This article is based on reporting by the Associated Press, Reuters, Yonhap News Agency and The Korea Herald. Statements attributed to Chinese officials or state media are identified as such. The article summarizes publicly reported developments and does not claim ownership of the original reporting or photographs. It is intended for news and public-awareness purposes and does not necessarily represent our views or endorsements.
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