Today (October 24), as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a surprise visit to China, strict traffic controls were enforced in parts of Dandong in China's Liaoning Province, which borders North Korea, Kyodo News reported.

Citing diplomatic sources, the news agency reported that hotel room reservations were restricted in areas around the New Yalu River Bridge, which connects Dandong with Sinuiju in North Pyongan Province, North Korea.

Traffic controls were reportedly observed near the Yalu River Bridge and a museum exhibiting the history of China's participation in the Korean War.

Following speculation that China's traffic and hotel restrictions were linked to a visit by a senior North Korean official, South Korea's Ministry of Unification stated, "Leader Kim arrived in Dandong, Liaoning Province, today via the New Yalu River Bridge."

The New Yalu River Bridge is a four-lane, 3,026-meter bridge connecting Dandong, the primary trade hub between North Korea and China, and Sinuiju in North Pyongan Province.

Although completed in 2014, its opening had been delayed due to incomplete access roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side before officially opening on October 15.


Kyodo News noted that tomorrow marks the 76th anniversary of China sending troops to enter the Korean War in support of North Korea, raising the possibility that a high-level North Korean official might visit China for related commemorative events, with speculation that Kim himself could attend in person.

Kyodo News reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea in June—his first in seven years—during which he did not mention denuclearization while holding talks with Kim, appears to have underpinned improving ties with North Korea.

The news agency also noted that Kim has left room for dialogue with the United States if Washington ends its hostile policy toward North Korea and recognizes it as a nuclear weapons state, drawing attention to the possibility of China mediating a North Korea-US summit.

(Photo: Yonhap News)