North Korea and Russia Begin Construction of Strategic Road Link

North Korea and Russia are constructing a 1-kilometer bridge aimed at strengthening their bilateral relationship. This facility is expected to process 2,850 people and 300 vehicles daily and follows the reinforcement of ties due to military support from North Korea in Ukraine. The bridge project symbolizes a significant milestone in their strategic partnership, fostering increased connectivity and trade, albeit amid existing trade imbalances heavily favoring China.

North Korea and Russia are moving forward with construction on their first road link, a bridge that will aim to bolster ties between the two countries. This new facility, which is projected to handle approximately 2,850 people and 300 vehicles each day, is part of a broader strategy amid North Korea’s alignment with Moscow in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Initial plans for this collaboration began in June 2024, following the signing of a defense pact between the two nations.

The strategic partnership has evolved significantly since its inception, with Moscow providing North Korea with essential supplies, including medicine, food, and coal. Concurrently, North Korea has dispatched troops—around 12,000 according to reports—to support Russian forces engaged in Ukraine. This military collaboration underscores a growing alliance that could have geopolitical ramifications well beyond their borders.

The bridge, which will span 1 kilometer over the Tumen River, is expected to be completed within 18 months, according to Russian state media. This announcement was made in light of a recent agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. The construction will facilitate an increase in the movement of people, tourism, and goods between the two nations, emphasizing the bridge’s role as a crucial point of connectivity.

Both leaders have referred to the bridge as a pivotal milestone in their relationship. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin labeled it a “big milestone for Russian-Korean relations,” during discussions with North Korean counterpart Pak Thae-song. The bridge is envisioned as a historic monument, symbolizing the partnership that has developed since their original agreement.

Moreover, since early 2024, there has been a notable uptick in Russian tourists visiting North Korea, while tours from China have remained stagnant amid various travel restrictions. In contrast, trade data from 2023 revealed that a staggering 97% of North Korea’s external trade was conducted with China, with only 1.2% accounting for trade with Russia.

Currently, there are several active transportation links between North Korea and China. This includes both rail and road connections that traverse their extensive border. Existing infrastructure, such as a railway bridge, already facilitates travel with Russia. The announcement of the new automobile bridge comes on the heels of North Korea acknowledging its troop deployments to support Russia in reclaiming territories in the Kursk region—confirming previous intelligence reports from South Korea and the U.S.

According to intelligence assessments, North Korea has reportedly sent about 15,000 soldiers, of whom around 4,700 have suffered casualties, stressing the severe toll of this military intervention.

The construction of the new bridge between North Korea and Russia marks a significant development in their bilateral relations. With ambitious plans to enhance cross-border travel and trade amid ongoing military collaboration in Ukraine, this bridge could pave the way for increased connectivity between the two nations. Both leaders view this project as pivotal in cementing their alliance, even as North Korea’s traditional economic ties with China remain strong. The implications of this partnership could reshape regional dynamics for years to come.

Original Source: www.the-express.com