New Yalu River Bridge Opening Imminent? Large Flags Hung at North Korean Gate

Observations are rising that the official opening of the New Yalu River Bridge, connecting Sinuiju, North Korea, and Dandong, Liaoning Province, China, is imminent as North Korean and Chinese national flags have been hung at the North's gateway.

According to sources well-versed in North Korea affairs on October 13, large North Korean flags and Chinese five-star red flags were confirmed to be attached vertically to the pillars on both sides of the North Korean gateway of the bridge on this day.

Initially, expectations had emerged in the North Korea-China border region that the New Yalu River Bridge would open on October 6, the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between North Korea and China, but no opening event was held on that day.

However, as signs of event preparations were captured at the North Korean gateway on this day, projections have been raised that the opening of the bridge, which has been delayed for 12 years, may take place soon.

A source knowledgeable about border affairs stated, "It appears that the opening ceremony for the New Yalu River Bridge will likely be held around October 15."

Regarding the trends at the North Korean gateway, a diplomatic source said, "There is a possibility that the opening ceremony will be held within this week."

In diplomatic circles, given that North Korean Cabinet Premier Pak Tae-song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin participated via video link from Pyongyang and Moscow, respectively, in the completion ceremony for the Tumen River automobile bridge between North Korea and Russia held last month, prospects are also emerging that high-level officials from North Korea and China could make an appearance at the New Yalu River Bridge opening event.

The New Yalu River Bridge has a total length of 3,026 meters and spans four lanes in both directions. Although China covered the entire construction cost and completed it in October 2014, its official opening has been delayed because North Korea's connecting roads and customs facilities were not properly equipped.

Recently, however, rumors have been spreading in Dandong that the New Yalu River Bridge will officially open, and large trucks have been repeatedly witnessed crossing the bridge for test runs.

On the North Korean side, a large gateway bearing the inscription "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" and buildings presumed to be customs offices have been established.

(Photo provided by reader, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.