Cameras recently captured a trial bus crossing the New Yalu River Bridge connecting North Korea and China. This event signals accelerating preparations toward the bridge’s long-delayed formal opening. A source told reporters the crossing occurred around 2 p.m. on June 27.
Specifically, a thirty-seat bus belonging to a North Korean trading company crossed toward Sinuiju that afternoon. This bus previously carried passengers via the older Yalu River Bridge, known as the Friendship Bridge. However, only a driver and one staff member occupied the vehicle during this crossing.
Consequently, this trip appears to have been a trial run testing routes and facilities. Builders originally constructed the New Yalu River Bridge downstream to expand overall cargo capacity. Although Chinese funding covered construction, sanctions and pandemic disruptions delayed its opening for years.
Currently, construction on the Chinese side stands complete, while North Korean customs facilities remain unfinished. Nevertheless, some construction workers believe the bridge could open later this month or August. Since last month, Chinese personnel have traveled daily to the North Korean construction site.
This coordination, including daily meal shipments, suggests final inspections are now actively underway. Notably, this trial run followed last month’s China-North Korea summit between Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un. Observers view the New Yalu River Bridge as symbolizing deepening economic cooperation between both nations.
Still, construction progress alone will not determine the bridge’s actual opening date. According to the source, final decisions require sign-off from leadership in both countries. “Even North Korean diplomats say the opening date is a decision made at the top,” the source noted.
Ultimately, momentum has clearly accelerated since Xi’s visit and subsequent summit discussions. Once opened, the New Yalu River Bridge will likely redistribute cross-border trade significantly. This shift could reshape economic activity across both Dandong and Sinuiju border regions substantially.
