North Korea has recently completed two new bridges to facilitate transportation to its strategic partners, Russia and China. The new Yalu Bridge over the Yalu River, which connects China to North Korea, will soon be operational and is expected to be inaugurated in early October to mark the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between North Korea and China.
Details of the Yalu Bridge
Analyses indicate that significant advancements have been made in customs, immigration, and storage facilities on the North Korean side. The Yalu Bridge, which is 3000 meters long, is designed as a four-layer bridge and connects to surrounding areas. This bridge has been constructed to alleviate pressure on the Friendship Bridge between China and Korea, which is one of the most important trade routes between the two countries.
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The inauguration of this new bridge comes as another bridge was opened on September 7, connecting the Rason region of North Korea to Kakhovka in the Primorsky region of Russia. Previously, the narrow land border between the two countries was only connected by rail.
Pyongyang's Strategy in Relations with China and Russia
Analysts believe that Pyongyang is trying to balance its relations with China and Russia to avoid over-dependence on Beijing. There are concerns that if North Korea becomes too reliant on China, its independence may be compromised. Additionally, Russia is looking to expand transportation routes through North Korea towards the Pacific Ocean, and Pyongyang could leverage this to increase trade and labor opportunities.
The growth of relations between Moscow and Pyongyang has increased since 2023, when North Korea began supplying weapons and forces for the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, China is also seeking to maintain a balance in its relations with North Korea and prevent its over-dependence on Russia.
Han Chan-il, a North Korea expert, has assessed the opening of the Yalu Bridge as a historic sign, stating that this bridge will help North Korea take advantage of deeper relations with China and Russia, which could strengthen its diplomatic position against South Korea.
North Korea had severely closed its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant reduction in trade and restrictions on the entry of foreign diplomats. However, with the reopening of freight trains between Dandong and Sinuiju in 2022 and the resumption of passenger travel since March 12 of this year, trade relations have been reestablished.
Han Chan-il added that the opening of the new bridge can be interpreted as a sign of Pyongyang's willingness to move towards economic opening, even if it progresses slowly. This bridge is considered the first modern bridge between North Korea and China and could help improve trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
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