Kim Opens a Bridge to China Reflecting 'New Cold War'

Kim Jong Un cut the ribbon this weekend on more than a bridge. The North Korean ruler crossed into the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday over a newly opened span across the Yalu River, then used the visit to spotlight what he calls a "new Cold War" alignment with China and Russia against the US, CBS News reports. Kim toured a Korean War memorial honoring Chinese soldiers, pledged to carry forward a blood-forged alliance, and met senior Communist Party official Wang Huning.

State media in both countries framed the bridge as a symbol of tighter economic and political links. It's intended to help with the movement of heavy equipment, raw materials, and energy products that North Korea needs for development, per Reuters. North Korea and Russia have been deepening miliary cooperation, and China has been reasserting its stance as North Korea's chief economic and diplomatic backer. Chinese troops fought alongside North Korea's in the 1950-53 Korean War.