North Korea's Kim Jong Un touts ties, opens bridge with China on first trip in a year
Updated on: October 25, 2026 / 8:09 AM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- Kim Jong Un visited China, inaugurating a new bridge connecting the two countries.
- This was Kim's first visit to China in a year, signaling a shift in foreign policy.
- Kim aims to align North Korea with China and Russia against the United States.
- He met with Wang Huning, a member of China's Communist Party Standing Committee.
- Kim visited a memorial for Chinese support during the Korean War and reaffirmed DPRK-China friendship.
- The two leaders toured a car factory and Wang accompanied Kim to the new bridge.
- Kim stated the bridge will fulfill its historic mission of linking the countries and their peoples.
- North Korea has recently bolstered ties with China, its traditional ally and economic lifeline.
- China is seeking to restore its influence over North Korea.
- North Korea has sent troops and weapons to support Russia's war in Ukraine, possibly in exchange for aid.
- Kim's last visit to Beijing was in September 2025.