Kim Jong Un visits China via new bridge, first trip in a year

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has traveled to China, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, citing an unnamed government source.

According to Yonhap, Kim crossed the new Amnok River bridge connecting the two countries to reach Dandong, a border city in China's Liaoning province. The bridge, over the river known in China as the Yalu, connects North Korea's Sinuiju to Dandong.

Construction of the roughly 3,026-meter, four-lane bridge began in 2014, with China investing about $310 million. The bridge could not become operational for about 12 years because North Korea's road and customs infrastructure on its side was not ready. It has been operational since this month, allowing trucks and containers to cross in both directions around the clock.

According to the South Korean government, this is Kim's first visit to China in a year. Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that strict traffic restrictions have been imposed in parts of Dandong and hotel room bookings have been suspended. North Korean state media have not provided any information about the visit, and China's foreign ministry has not officially confirmed it either.