Kim Jong Un Visits China, Meets Premier Li Qiang
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in China’s border city of Dandong on Saturday, October 24, 2026, crossing the newly opened Yalu River Bridge in a visit signalling closer relations between Pyongyang and Beijing. South Korean officials reported that Kim met Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the visit, which coincided with efforts to expand bilateral trade and strengthen diplomatic cooperation.
Kim Jong Un Meets Chinese Premier in Dandong
Kim entered China’s Liaoning province through the New Yalu River Bridge, connecting Dandong with the North Korean city of Sinuiju.
South Korean officials said Chinese Premier Li Qiang met the North Korean leader in Dandong. Neither government immediately released details of their discussions.
Kim was expected to return to North Korea later on Saturday rather than continue to Beijing.
The visit came ahead of the anniversary of China’s intervention in the 1950–1953 Korean War.
New Yalu River Bridge Opens After Years of Delay
The approximately three-kilometre bridge opened earlier in October after remaining unused for more than a decade.
Completed in 2014 at a cost of approximately $310 million, the crossing had faced delays involving connecting roads and customs infrastructure.
Its opening is expected to improve transportation of heavy equipment, raw materials and energy products between China and North Korea.
China-North Korea Relations Strengthen Amid Regional Tensions
Kim last visited China in September 2025, when he met President Xi Jinping during commemorations in Beijing. Xi subsequently visited North Korea in June 2026.
China remains North Korea’s principal economic and diplomatic partner, although Pyongyang has expanded military cooperation with Russia during the Ukraine war.
The latest visit comes as prospects for renewed talks between Kim and US President Donald Trump remain uncertain.
China is scheduled to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen next month, where Trump is expected to attend.
