Kim Jong Un Strengthens Ties with China by Inaugurating New Bridge

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China on Saturday to inaugurate a new bridge connecting the two countries. This marked his latest move in a foreign policy strategy aimed at uniting with Beijing and Moscow against the United States, which he describes as a ‘new Cold War.’

Kim arrived in China’s border city, Dandong, after crossing the newly opened bridge, according to South Korea’s Unification Ministry and China’s official Xinhua News Agency. During his visit, Kim met with Wang Huning, a member of China’s Communist Party Standing Committee, and visited a memorial honoring China’s support for North Korea during the 1950-1953 Korean War. Kim emphasized the ‘invincible DPRK-China friendship,’ according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

At their meeting, Kim highlighted a commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation. Wang relayed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting the significance of Kim’s memorial visit in strengthening ties between the countries. The visit included a tour of a car factory, and Wang accompanied Kim to the bridge for a send-off.

As he crossed the bridge back home, Kim remarked on its role in linking the two nations and uniting their peoples’ sentiments, KCNA reported. Kim’s efforts to solidify relations with China follow a period of nurturing ties with Russia. North Korea’s economic and military exchanges with China represent a strategic pivot toward its traditional ally.

Kim’s previous visit to Beijing occurred in September 2025, when he met with Xi Jinping and witnessed a military parade alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders.