This came a full 12 years after its construction was completed. The opening of the bridge is meant to symbolise the deepening of relations between the two countries, which in recent years have been constrained mainly by economic sanctions.
The new crossing is now the second bridge connecting the two countries across the River Yalu. In the 1940s, the Japanese built the stone Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, which, by linking the cities of Sinuiju and Dandong, served as one of the most important border crossings. Construction of the new bridge began in 2010 and was completed four years later. However, North Korea did not finish the work on its side, leaving the bridge waiting more than a decade for its opening.
The reasons for such a long delay are unknown. In general, however, the DPRK’s approach towards its Chinese counterpart is cautious. Efforts to remain independent of Chinese imports were reinforced by sanctions imposed over the North Koreans’ relentless drive to continue their nuclear research.
Nevertheless, the opening of the new cross-border bridge may mark a new chapter in the history of Sino-Korean relations, as prime minister of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang declared at its inauguration ceremony. Beyond improving economic ties, the three-kilometre bridge is also intended to boost travel between the two countries.
The event took place just a few weeks after the opening of another North Korean cross-border bridge, that one with the Russian Federation. It is precisely on improving relations with Russia that the DPRK has focused in recent years. Even so, China remains the main strategic partner for the East Asian nation.
Nearly three-quarters of voters in the Canadian province of Alberta have voted against greater independence from the central government. Although the local separatist movement suffered a defeat, voices from the losing camp are already vowing continued resistance regardless of the result. The referendum comes at a time when the Canadian government is facing challenges on multiple fronts.
The local council and Senate elections are now in the past, and ruling coalitions have already been formed in many municipalities. National party headquarters are counting their gains and losses, even though almost everyone considers themselves a winner, meaning there should theoretically be no talk of losses at all. Who, then, won and who lost? And can we speak of the end of the ANO movement?
