On Monday, Russia and North Korea opened their first joint road bridge. It spans a 0.6-mile gap over the Tumen River, making it easier for cargo and passengers to move between the countries. The countries’ leaders say the opening of the Novichenko Bridge is a key moment in their growing alliance.
Russia and North Korea’s relationship has been strengthening. North Korea supports Russia’s war against Ukraine, even supplying Russia with ammunition and troops. Russia offers North Korea economic and military assistance in exchange.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin says the new link is a signal of Russia’s “friendship” with North Korea. He also says the road will boost trade. He expects the bridge to enhance economic, technological, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the countries.
The bridge connects two border cities: Rason in North Korea and Khasan in Russia. Russian officials say up to 300 vehicles and 2,323 people are allowed to pass via the bridge each day.
The bridge could expand small-scale transport and the movement of people. But some experts doubt the two-lane passage will help much.
Outside the two authoritarian countries, other nations express concerns that the bridge will aid movement of military equipment. Researchers at South Korea’s spy agency estimate that North Korea has already transferred seven to 14 billion dollars’ worth of weapons by ship. They fear the road could allow for more such transfers.
Experts also say road traffic can be more difficult to monitor than the countries’ existing railways.
A state-run Russian news agency said the bridge was built because other routes were not meeting growing transportation needs. The two countries agreed to build the bridge in 2024. Construction began last year, and on Monday, the Novichenko Bridge had simultaneous grand openings on each side.
