Kim Jong-un has traveled to China over a newly opened bridge, marking the North Korean leader’s first known trip abroad in more than a year. According to South Korean officials, Kim arrived in the Chinese border city of Dandong, in Liaoning province, after taking a train from Pyongyang to Sinuiju and crossing the New Yalu River Bridge.
Context
The visit was not announced in advance and had not been confirmed by Pyongyang or Beijing by Saturday evening. Notably, China is set to commemorate the anniversary of its entry into the 1950-53 Korean War on the North’s side on Sunday.
Developments
Reports from Japan’s Kyodo news agency indicated that traffic controls had been imposed around the bridge and near a museum dedicated to China’s role in the war. Additionally, hotel bookings in the area had been restricted, which diplomatic sources linked to a visit by a senior North Korean official.
