A new bridge has opened between China and North Korea. What does this new connection mean for these neighbors—and for the rest of the world?
The Yalu River Bridge opened October 15. It extends 1.8 miles from Dandong, China, to Sinuiju, North Korea. The opening ceremony featured trucks adorned with Chinese and North Korean flags.
“The relations between China and North Korea have entered a new stage, embarking on a new chapter,” says Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
This isn’t the first bridge between the two nations. But it will increase China’s ability to trade with North Korea.
Originally, officials expected the bridge to open in 2014. Construction had already finished on the Chinese side. But on the North Korean side, the work remained incomplete.
Reasons for the delay remain unknown, but observers have theories. Some say North Korean officials were resistant to growing too dependent on China. Others say North Korea’s leaders were angry at China for siding with the United Nations about sanctions for North Korea’s nuclear program. Still others say the two nations simply disagreed on the location of the bridge.
Whatever the cause of the delay, the bridge signals renewed friendship between the two powers.
A different bridge project may have helped push this one across the finish line. About a month before, another new bridge opened between North Korea and Russia. Experts say that likely made Chinese officials feel uneasy.
For years, China has been North Korea’s biggest trading partner. But recently, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has given more attention to Russia. North Korea supported Russia’s war on Ukraine, sending weapons and troops. By opening the Yalu River Bridge, China might be reminding North Korea just who its real best friend is.
The United States and its allies look at these developments with unease. China, North Korea, and Russia all oppose the United States. Each has a track record of government oppression and cruel leadership. China’s influence continues to expand. In September, its military opened an airfield in Laos—the first international Chinese facility focused on air power.
We don’t need to fear when enemies conspire. God foils the plans of the wicked. (Psalm 146:9) Instead, we can pray. We can ask God to bring freedom to those living under oppression. We can ask Him to stop that oppression from spreading further.
