Kim Jong-un arrives in China via new bridge
The North Korean leader has arrived in the Chinese border city of Dandong, according to South Korean sources.
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Kim Jong-un arrived in the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday, South Korean media reported, citing a government source. He is said to have left North Korea via the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge. The visit could point to closer ties between Pyongyang and Beijing.
According to Yonhap, Kim arrived in Dandong after crossing the new bridge over the Yalu. The South Korean news agency based its report on an unnamed government source. Independent confirmation from North Korea or China was not available at the time of publication.
The bridge connects Dandong with the North Korean city of Sinuiju. China and North Korea officially opened the link earlier this month. Most of the project had already been built years ago, but it remained unused for a long time because of delays on the North Korean side.
The opening is intended to increase trade between the two countries. Reuters reported at the opening that the bridge is approximately three kilometres long and is intended to serve as an additional border crossing alongside the older Friendship Bridge.
Kim last visited China last year, according to AP. AP also reported that North Korea has strengthened its ties with Russia in recent years, while Beijing remains an important economic and diplomatic partner for Pyongyang.
The precise reason for and duration of Kim’s visit are not yet known. It is also unclear whether he will hold talks with Chinese leaders. Reports of his arrival initially came from South Korea and should therefore be distinguished from official confirmation.
For the Netherlands and Europe, the development is chiefly relevant because of the broader balance of power in East Asia. Closer contacts between China, North Korea and Russia could affect sanctions policy, regional security and North Korea’s international standing.
Also show the region and a close-up
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- South Korean media report that Kim Jong-un has arrived in Dandong.
- The New Yalu River Bridge between China and North Korea opened this month.
- North Korea maintains important ties with both China and Russia.
Left
Arguments Emphasises that closer economic ties could help the population, but only if trade does not exclusively strengthen North Korea’s ruling elite.
Values International cooperation, human rights and the protection of civilians.
Consequences Fears that economic cooperation without conditions could finance repression and sanctions evasion.
Centre
Arguments Sees cross-border trade and diplomatic contact as potentially stabilising instruments, while oversight and compliance with international agreements remain necessary.
Values Stability, diplomacy and institutional oversight.
Consequences Emphasises that contact can prevent escalation but offers no guarantee of behavioural change.
Right
Arguments Focuses on security risks and on preventing China and North Korea from strengthening their military and economic position vis-à-vis the West.
Values National security, deterrence and enforcement of rules.
Consequences Fears that closer ties will reduce pressure on North Korea and increase regional threats.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s core is based on current reporting by AP and Yonhap. The uncertainty over official confirmation and the visit’s further agenda is explicitly stated.
- confirmed According to South Korean media, Kim Jong-un has arrived in Dandong. — Reported by Yonhap and AP on 24 October 2026. source
- confirmed The New Yalu River Bridge connects Dandong with Sinuiju and is approximately three kilometres long. — Reuters described the bridge and the connection at its opening. source
- confirmed The bridge was officially opened earlier this month. — Reuters reported the opening on 15 October 2026. source
- confirmed Kim last visited China last year. — AP stated that this would be Kim’s first visit to China in a year. source
Editor's note
The arrival was reported by Yonhap, citing a South Korean government source, and repeated by AP. The Chinese and North Korean governments had not yet officially confirmed the arrival.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „noord-korea china”
- de Volkskrant — „noord-korea china”
- RTL Nieuws — „noord-korea china”