North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrives in China, Yonhap reports
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Dandong, China, via a newly opened border bridge, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. The visit comes as China and North Korea seek to revive trade and ties after pandemic disruptions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in the Chinese border city of Dandong, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Saturday, citing a South Korean government source.
The visit, which marks one of Mr Kim's rare trips abroad, took place via a newly opened bridge connecting the two countries. The bridge is the most significant land border crossing between China and North Korea, and was formally opened this month with the aim of rejuvenating trade and commerce after years of strained bilateral ties and pandemic-related disruptions.
A spokesperson for South Korea's Unification Ministry declined to comment when approached by reporters. China's foreign ministry also did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the visit.
Mr Kim's arrival in Dandong comes amid efforts by both Beijing and Pyongyang to restore economic cooperation following the severe impact of Covid-19 restrictions on cross-border traffic and trade. The opening of the new bridge is seen as a key step in that process.
Yonhap did not provide details on the purpose or expected duration of Mr Kim's visit. The North Korean leader has made only a handful of trips abroad since coming to power, most of which have been to China.