North Korean leader Kim Jong Un travels to Chinese border city via newly opened bridge

China’s top political adviser Wang Huning met Kim Jong Un upon his arrival, conveying President Xi Jinping’s 'greetings and best wishes' to the North Korean leader.

The two countries pledged to 'strengthen strategic communication and cooperation to safeguard their sovereignty, security and development interests,' Chinese state media reported.

They also vowed to expand people-to-people exchanges and economic and trade cooperation, a goal facilitated by the bridge's opening.

The four-lane New Yalu River Bridge was completed in 2014 but remained unused for 12 years due to a lack of connecting roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side.

It officially opened about a week ago, marking a step towards strengthening economic ties between the neighbouring countries.

Strategic timing

Kim’s trip coincides with the anniversary of China’s entry into the Korean War, known in China as the 'War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea,' and comes ahead of a key political meeting in Beijing on Monday.

During the 1950-53 war, Chinese troops fought alongside North Korea against South Korea and US-led United Nations forces.

While North Korea’s trade with Russia largely involves military supplies, trade with China could provide goods needed to develop its civilian economy, analysts say.

The bridge highlights North Korea's ties with China, which is its largest trading partner and a key source of diplomatic, economic and political support.