China and North Korea to open a bridge linking both countries on October 15

A new bridge over the Yalujiang River, connecting China and North Korea, will open on Thursday, October 15, writes sb.by.

reuters reports that the two sides will jointly hold the opening ceremony. The bridge will be the largest and most significant land crossing for trade between the two countries.

“China completed construction of its part of the bridge in 2014, hoping to strengthen trade ties, although the DPRK has left access roads and customs facilities unfinished,” the report said.

The opening of the new bridge signals further progress in bilateral relations between Beijing and Pyongyang, weeks after North Korea opened its first road bridge with Russia.

"China's exports to North Korea rose to a six-year high of $2.3 billion last year, up 25 percent from the previous year," the agency said.

The 3km long two-lane bridge connects the Chinese border city of Dandong with Sinuiju in North Korea and is designed to replace the outdated single-lane friendship bridge as the main route for auto trade.