Sinuiju:North Korea and China have officially inaugurated a new cross-border bridge that had remained unused for over a decade since its construction. The bridge, spanning the Amnok River, also known as the Yalu River, connects the North Korean city of Sinuiju with Dandong in China.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the bridge's construction began in October 2011 and concluded in October 2014. However, it remained idle as North Korea did not complete the necessary buildings and infrastructure on its side.
The newly opened four-lane motor bridge is anticipated to enhance trade, facilitate the movement of people, and alleviate congestion on the Friendship Bridge, the main crossing since its opening in 1943.
This development follows commitments made by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their June summit in Pyongyang to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance exchanges. An official from South Korea's unification ministry described the bridge's opening as "the first tangible implementation of the agreements reached during the June summit" and indicated that further developments will be monitored as they could signify a deepening of strategic relations.