Story perspectives

Kim Jong Un crosses New Yalu Bridge into China

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 2:04 PM UTC · How we work

Left

Unannounced visit sparks restrictions

North Korea leader Kim Jong un crossed the opened New Yalu River Bridge into the Chinese city of Dandong on Saturday.
The crossing prompted traffic controls and hotel-booking restrictions around bridge, curbing local movement and exposing the visit’s disruptive impact.
South Korean officials noted the unannounced visit and said its purpose remained unclear.
Wang Huning escorted Kim, delivered Xi’s greetings, oversaw tour of a factory and war memorial.

Right

Plaque presentation tribute

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un crossed the New Yalu River Bridge into Dandong, China, on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The visit was framed as a personal tribute, with Kim presenting a commemorative plaque and thanking Chinese soldiers for past sacrifices.
Kim Yo Jong and Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui accompanied him during the Dandong itinerary.
He visited the war memorial, saw a Kim Il Sung–Mao photo, and inspected a bus factory.

Center

Bridge marks cooperation

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un crossed the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge into the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday.
The report frames the bridge’s opening as a tangible indicator of deepening economic cooperation between China and North Korea.
Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning met Kim and delivered President Xi Jinping’s greetings.
The bridge, finished in 2014, remained unused for twelve years before opening this month.

History

Historical Context

The China-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was signed on 11 July 1961, creating the only defense pact China holds with any nation. Its 65th anniversary in July 2026 brought visits from Premier Pak Thae-song and CPPCC chairman Wang Huning. In October, Kim Jong Un crossed the new Yalu River Bridge, showing the treaty’s lasting impact on security and trade.

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Unannounced visit sparks restrictions

North Korea leader Kim Jong un crossed the opened New Yalu River Bridge into the Chinese city of Dandong on Saturday.
The crossing prompted traffic controls and hotel-booking restrictions around bridge, curbing local movement and exposing the visit’s disruptive impact.
South Korean officials noted the unannounced visit and said its purpose remained unclear.
Wang Huning escorted Kim, delivered Xi’s greetings, oversaw tour of a factory and war memorial.

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