[Anchor]

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made a surprise visit to China today (October 24). Instead of using the existing railway, he traveled by car across the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge. Today's 8 o'clock news will connect live to local correspondents in China and the United States to analyze in detail the significance of this surprise visit. While it superficially appears to mark China's participation in the Korean War, analysts suggest complex underlying calculations.

First, we have a report from our Beijing correspondent, Han Sang-woo.

[Reporter]

Earlier this morning, strict traffic controls were implemented in parts of Dandong, China, near the North Korea-China border, and hotel stays around the New Yalu River Bridge were restricted, prompting speculation that a high-ranking North Korean official would visit China.

A few hours later, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un crossed into Dandong by vehicle via the New Yalu River Bridge, which had officially opened nine days ago.

It was confirmed that Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council and No. 2 in the Chinese leadership, traveled to Dandong to welcome Chairman Kim.

This marks Chairman Kim's first visit to China in one year and one month, following his attendance at the Chinese V-J Day anniversary ceremony held in Beijing in September of last year.

Kim's visit to China comes four months after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea in June. Coming just a day ahead of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea anniversary commemorating China's entry into the Korean War, Kim visited Dandong to tour the memorial hall, clearly signaling his intent to restore North Korea-China relations.

Some analysts interpret that crossing via the New Yalu River Bridge rather than the traditional railway also symbolizes improved bilateral relations and the expansion of human and material exchanges.

In particular, ahead of the APEC summit to be held in Shenzhen, China, next month, attention is focused on whether Chairman Kim will discuss the issue of North Korea-U.S. dialogue during his visit to China.

However, as Chairman Kim is not expected to visit Beijing and is likely to return to North Korea directly today, whether he will meet with President Xi Jinping remains unclear.

(Photoed by Choi Deok-hyun, Edited by Choi Jin-hwa)