China and North Korea open New Yalu River Bridge after 12-year delay

The 3,026-metre, four-lane New Yalu River Bridge links the Chinese border city of Dandong with Sinuiju in North Korea . Hundreds of people gathered in Dandong on Thursday to watch as lorries began crossing in both directions , some decorated with Chinese and North Korean flags and flowers. Completed in 2014 , the bridge had stood unused for 12 years because connecting roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side were not finished. Its official opening marks a significant step in efforts to revive trade between the two countries after years of strained relations and pandemic-era border restrictions .