China and North Korea open new Yalu River bridge

China and North Korea opened a new road bridge over the Yalu River on October 15. It connects China's Dandong with North Korea's Sinuiju, Xinhua reported.

The crossing links Liaoning Province with North Pyongan Province. According to Xinhua, its roadway is 28.5 metres wide and carries four lanes of two-way traffic.

Li said the crossing should promote economic and trade cooperation and contacts between people in the two countries. He also reaffirmed China's support for North Korea's socialist course under Kim Jong Un and its commitment to protecting their shared interests.

The Chinese premier cited Xi Jinping's position that traditional friendship should continue regardless of changes in the international environment. Li said the bridge opening offered an opportunity to improve border clearance and transport links.

China and North Korea agreed in 2010 to build a new road bridge downstream from the existing crossing. The older bridge carries both road and rail traffic, with trucks able to travel in only one direction.