Kim Jong-un crosses New Yalu River Bridge into China on first known trip abroad in over a year
· World · The Guardian, New York Times, Al Jazeera
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un travelled to the Chinese border city of Dandong in Liaoning province after crossing the New Yalu River Bridge from Sinuiju, marking his first known trip abroad in more than a year. Yonhap reported the train journey from Pyongyang and confirmed Chinese Premier Li Qiang was already in the city. The 3km bridge opened in mid-October after 12 years of delays on the North Korean side. China marks the anniversary of its entry into the 1950-53 Korean War on Sunday, while Kim's trip is his sixth visit to Beijing, last made in September 2025 alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.
Why it matters
Kim's visit signals continued North Korea-China alignment as Pyongyang strengthens ties with its main backer, especially after opening a road border bridge with Russia in September, while diplomatic sources indicate the trip coincides with heightened security measures around the bridge.
Read the original report — The Guardian
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