China-North Korea border bridge may do little to spur trade, experts say

As China and North Korea cut the ribbon on New Yalu River Bridge this week, officials described the new border crossing in momentous terms.Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the 3km (1.9-mile) bridge, which links China’s Dandong and North Korea’s Sinuiju, would “vigorously promote” trade and “strengthen emotional bonds”.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Man United’s Martinez apologises for outburst after talks with Carricklist 2 of 4Israel halts commercial goods from entering Gaza; Hamas denies tax claimslist 3 of 4Three children, one teacher killed in Oregon school shootinglist 4 of 4Two Syrian pipelines damaged amid spate of attacks on energy infrastructureend of listNorth Korean Premier Pak Thae-song expressed his belief that the crossing would “accelerate the advance for the prosperity of the two countries” and “add fresh vigour” to their economic cooperation.Analysts on China-North Korea ties are much more circumspect.While the bridge is a concrete symbol of China and North Korea’s efforts to revitalise relations that have waned from their Cold War-era peak, the prospects for trade are hindered by obstacles ranging from international sanctions to a North Korean leadersh...