Kim crosses new border bridge as China visit begins

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un crossed into China on Saturday to open a new road link over the Yalu River. He arrived in the border city of Dandong, according to South Korea's unification ministry and China's Xinhua news agency. The trip marks his first visit to China since September 2025.

Kim met Wang Huning, a member of China's Communist party standing committee. The two men toured a car factory and pledged to strengthen ties. Xinhua quoted Kim as saying North Korea stands ready to work with China to expand practical cooperation. Wang accompanied Kim to the bridge for his departure.

The 3km bridge opened in mid-October. China finished construction 12 years ago, but delays on the North Korean side held up the opening. In early September, North Korea and Russia opened the first road bridge across their shared border. Pyongyang is now connected by road to both of its main backers.

The timing of the visit highlights Kim's relationship with Beijing ahead of the October 25 anniversary. That date marks China's first major victory in the Korean war, which occurred days after Chinese troops crossed the Yalu River into North Korea in October 1950.

Japan's Kyodo news agency reported traffic controls near the bridge and a local war museum. Hotel bookings in the area were also restricted. Diplomatic sources told Kyodo the measures were tied to the visit by a senior North Korean official.

Relations with South Korea have soured. Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, issued about 10 statements criticizing Seoul since late September. South Korea's unification ministry called the frequency unusual. She announced plans to resume loudspeaker broadcasts at the border within days.

Xi Jinping will host the APEC summit in Shenzhen on November 18 and 19. Speculation has grown about a potential meeting between Kim and Donald Trump. Reuters reported on Friday that US and South Korean officials see little chance of such a meeting this year.