North Korea's Kim returns home after visit to Chinese border city
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Chinese border city of Dandong to reinforce diplomatic and economic ties. The trip follows the opening of a major cross-border bridge and included a visit to a memorial for Chinese soldiers from the Korean War.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the strengthening of the strategic alliance between China and North Korea amidst increasing international isolation of the latter.
The aims and outcomes of Kim's visit were murky, but China is North Korea's largest trading partner and a vital source of diplomatic, economic and political support for Pyongyang.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech during a visit to Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang on Sep 30, 2026, to mark the 80th anniversary of its founding, in this photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. (File photo: Reuters/KCNA)
DANDONG, China: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un returned home on Saturday (Oct 24) after a day-long trip to the Chinese border city of Dandong, vowing to "firmly carry forward" the two nations' friendship, Pyongyang's state media reported.
Kim's visit follows the official opening of a major cross-border bridge last week - 12 years after its completion - deepening economic ties between China and diplomatically isolated North Korea.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
North Korea's Kim Jong Un touts ties, opens bridge with China on first trip in a year
Kim Jong Un Makes Surprise Trip to China, Crosses New Bridge - WSJ
North Korea's Kim Jong Un returns from China after war memorial visit, state media says
Kim Jong Un crosses new bridge into China as trade ties warm
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