North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Visits China via New Bridge Without Advance Notice

Key summary

Kim Jong Un traveled to Dandong, China, on October 24 using a newly opened bridge across the Yalu River without prior notification. He is understood to have met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the location. The bridge, completed after 12 years of construction and officially opened last week, facilitates economic ties between the two nations. Kim visited the Korean War memorial in Dandong, paid respects to Chinese volunteer soldiers, and toured the Dandong automobile factory before returning to North Korea later that day. While official statements from both Beijing and Pyongyang were not immediately available, South Korean lawmaker Yoon Kun-young confirmed the understanding of a meeting between Kim and Li. Analysts suggest the visit signals positive developments ahead of a potential US-North Korea summit in Shenzhen during the upcoming APEC meeting in November, where Kim might meet Donald Trump.