Kim Jong Un Arrives in Dandong as China and North Korea Open New Border Bridge

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reached the Chinese border city of Dandong, crossing over a newly opened bridge, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. The report cites a source in the South Korean government. Seoul’s Unification Ministry had no immediate comment, and China’s foreign ministry had not yet replied to requests for one. The crossing is the most important land link between the two countries, and it officially opened earlier this month. Both sides hope it will bring back trade and business after years of cooler relations and pandemic-era closures.

China North Korea Relations Have Been Warming

Kim’s last known trip to China was in September 2025, when he went to Beijing for the 80th Victory Day celebrations and held a summit with President Xi Jinping. Xi returned the gesture with a state visit to North Korea in June, a clear sign that ties were improving.

What It Means for Trump and Korea Talks

Donald Trump has been keen to restart talks with Pyongyang, but American and South Korean officials believe the odds of a Trump and Kim meeting this year are shrinking. Next month, China will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, and Trump is expected to attend.