Kim Jong Un completes day trip to Chinese border city Dandong

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a surprise, unannounced day trip to the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday and returned home later that day, according to South Korean sources and Chinese state media. Kim crossed into China via the New Yalu River Bridge, a four-lane bridge that officially opened last week, 12 years after its completion in 2014. The bridge's opening had previously been delayed due to a lack of connecting roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side.

Neither North Korea nor China disclosed the visit in advance. South Korean lawmaker Youn Kun-young said he was briefed on Friday that a visit was likely and stated that Kim was understood to have met Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday.

“When the two countries engage with each other, it will naturally benefit border cities in China economically.”

China's Xinhua news agency reported that Wang Huning, Beijing's top political adviser, accompanied Kim in Dandong and saw him off at the bridge. Xinhua did not mention any talks between Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping or Premier Li Qiang.

Wang conveyed Xi's cordial greetings and best wishes to Kim and described the visit as significant for consolidating public goodwill and deepening political mutual trust. China's top diplomat Wang Yi also participated in the events in Dandong.

Kim attended a memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers from the Korean War and visited an automobile factory during the trip. The visit took place near the date both countries use to mark the entry of Chinese troops into the Korean War.

The trip occurred as world leaders prepare for November's APEC summit in Shenzhen, fuelling speculation about a possible meeting between Kim and US President Donald Trump. China remains North Korea's largest trading partner and a vital source of diplomatic, economic and political support.