North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Arrives in China via New Border Bridge

Key summary

Kim Jong Un arrived at Dandong, China, on October 24 to cross the newly opened Yalu River bridge connecting the two nations. Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Kim at this border city. South Korean officials provided details of the visit, noting it occurred one day before the anniversary of China's entry into the Korean War (1950-1953). Yonhap News Agency reports Kim is expected to return to North Korea after completing his mission today, with low probability of proceeding to Beijing for the Communist Party of China meeting starting Monday, October 26. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not commented on the report. The visit follows the opening of the 3-kilometer Yalu River bridge, a key land crossing reopened this month after delays, aimed at restoring trade and economic activity following years of tension and pandemic-related disruptions.