China and North Korea opened their biggest land crossing, a sign of closer bilateral ties that are likely to unsettle regional countries.
The 3 km (1.9 mile) Yalu River Bridge was first proposed more than 12 years ago, though it was delayed after ties between Beijing and Pyongyang turned frosty.
Relations have improved in recent years thanks in large part to China’s strategic competition with the US, and as Beijing looks to manage Pyongyang’s growing ties to Moscow.
The reset in relations has led China to ease demands on North Korea to denuclearize, raising fears across the region. “The implications for the United States and its allies are stark,” the Sydney-based Lowy Institute wrote.
