North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in the Chinese border of city Dandong via a newly opened bridge, South KoreaâÂÂs â Yonhap news agency has said, citing a South Korea government source.
The visit on Saturday comes about a week after the major new bridge was linking the two countries was officially opened, 12 years after its completion, deepening economic ties between the Asian giant and its small nuclear-armed neighbour.
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China is North KoreaâÂÂs largest trading partner and a vital source of diplomatic, economic, and political support for the reclusive state, although ties have not always been smooth.
âÂÂKim arrived in Dandong through the New Yalu River Bridge earlier in the day,â Yonhap reported, citing an unidentified government source.
The four-lane structure was completed in 2014 but its opening was delayed due to a lack of connecting roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side, according to South Korean news reports.
KimâÂÂs last known visit to â China was in September 2025, â to attend the 80th Victory Day celebrations in Beijing, when he held a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi made a â state visit to North Korea in June, in a sign of improving â ties.