North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Visits Chinese Border City Dandong
The unannounced one-day journey expands cross-border diplomatic ties and tests a newly opened road crossing following years of pandemic restrictions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made an unannounced one-day visit to the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday. The journey marked his first known foreign trip in more than a year.
Kim travelled by train from Pyongyang to Sinuiju. He crossed the border over the New Yalu River Bridge, a four-lane crossing that opened on October 15 after years of delays.
Chinese state media reported that Wang Huning, the fourth-ranked official in the Chinese Communist Party, received Kim in Dandong. Initial reports from South Korean sources and wire services said Chinese Premier Li Qiang also met Kim upon arrival.
While in Dandong, Kim toured an automobile factory. He also visited the Memorial Hall of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, where he placed flowers and viewed exhibits. Ahead of the stop, Chinese authorities restricted nearby hotel bookings and directed traffic away from the sites.
Wang delivered greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Chinese state media said Wang called the visit meaningful for deepening trust and expanding trade and cultural exchanges. Wang added that both countries should coordinate to protect their shared security and development interests.
Kim told Wang that North Korea appreciates sustained Chinese support for its socialist system. He said North Korea stands ready to broaden practical cooperation and strengthen historical ties to benefit both nations.
North Korean state media released no immediate reports on the journey as of Saturday evening. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately answer questions from foreign journalists.
The trip came one day before the anniversary of China's entry into the Korean War in 1950. It followed years of border restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. In September, North Korea also opened its first road bridge with Russia.
Saturday's journey was Kim's sixth visit to China since taking office. It followed a June summit with Xi in Pyongyang. The visit also occurred as relations between North Korea and South Korea worsened over renewed border defenses.
Wang accompanied Kim back to the bridge for his departure to North Korea on Saturday. Kim planned to return directly to Pyongyang rather than continue to Beijing, where high-level Communist Party meetings open on Monday.
