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Bridging fortunes across the Yalu River

Chinese border city of Dandong well placed to reap benefits when North Korea opens up

North Korea as seen from the Chinese border city of Dandong, separated by the Yalu River. Dandong residents are hopeful the city's fortunes, which are very much tied to North Korea, could rise again. Border trade has been hit hard by United Nations s
The New Yalu River Bridge was designed to connect China’s Dandong in Liaoning province with North Korea’s Sinuiju. But it has been idle since it was built more than three years ago. There are no connecting roads on the North Korean side of the 3km-long bridge PHOTO: REUTERS
North Korea as seen from the Chinese border city of Dandong, separated by the Yalu River. Dandong residents are hopeful the city's fortunes, which are very much tied to North Korea, could rise again. Border trade has been hit hard by United Nations s
A huge Mao Zedong statue greets travellers at the square in front of Dandong railway station in China, a short walk from the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge. ST PHOTOS: CHONG KOH PING
North Korea as seen from the Chinese border city of Dandong, separated by the Yalu River. Dandong residents are hopeful the city's fortunes, which are very much tied to North Korea, could rise again. Border trade has been hit hard by United Nations s
Built in 1911, this railway bridge was the first bridge across the Yalu River, and was damaged in the Korean War. Today, it stands as a memorial and a tourist attraction. ST PHOTOS: CHONG KOH PING
North Korea as seen from the Chinese border city of Dandong, separated by the Yalu River. Dandong residents are hopeful the city's fortunes, which are very much tied to North Korea, could rise again. Border trade has been hit hard by United Nations s
North Korea as seen from the Chinese border city of Dandong, separated by the Yalu River. Dandong residents are hopeful the city’s fortunes, which are very much tied to North Korea, could rise again. Border trade has been hit hard by United Nations sanctions. ST PHOTOS: CHONG KOH PING
North Korea as seen from the Chinese border city of Dandong, separated by the Yalu River. Dandong residents are hopeful the city's fortunes, which are very much tied to North Korea, could rise again. Border trade has been hit hard by United Nations s
A shop selling packaging materials for traders. Its operator has seen a sharp drop in business of 70 per cent since sanctions on North Korea kicked in. ST PHOTOS: CHONG KOH PING
North Korea as seen from the Chinese border city of Dandong, separated by the Yalu River. Dandong residents are hopeful the city's fortunes, which are very much tied to North Korea, could rise again. Border trade has been hit hard by United Nations s
A truck from North Korea turning into a yard in Dandong, where vehicles laden with goods wait before crossing the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge to North Korea. PHOTO: REUTERS
North Korea as seen from the Chinese border city of Dandong, separated by the Yalu River. Dandong residents are hopeful the city's fortunes, which are very much tied to North Korea, could rise again. Border trade has been hit hard by United Nations s
The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, built by Japanese colonial forces in 1937, has a one-way road and a railway track. It is the only link between China’s Dandong and North Korea.
Chong Koh Ping China Correspondent In Dandong (Liaoning)
Updated
Oct 25, 2018, 03:52 PM
Published
Jun 26, 2018, 05:00 AM
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The six-lane suspension bridge spanning the Yalu River that forms the border between China and North Korea has been idle since it was built more than three years ago.

Next to it stands a 25-storey Customs building, put up in anticipation of a boom that never materialised.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 26, 2018, with the headline Special report on Dandong, gateway to North Korea. Subscribe

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