N. KOREA PREPARES BRIDGE CONNECTING WITH CHINA

[Anchor Lead]

It has been confirmed that North Korea is preparing to open a new bridge over the Yalu River connecting the North to the city of Dandong in China. KBS has captured images of dozens of trucks at the construction site of a customs office and logistics warehouse. The construction works continued even at nighttime.

[Pkg]

This four-lane bridge over the Yalu River was built in 2014. It leads to the North Korean city of Namsinuiju. A large truck lifts a container and pours out soil at the workers' instructions. Other trucks are also seen constantly transporting soil to the site. Lately, the trucks have been seen moving busily on an unpaved road connecting the New Yalu River Bridge to Yongchon National Road.

[Soundbite] (MEDIA OUTLET SPECIALIZING IN N. KOREA AFFAIRS) : "I've seen as many as 20 to 30 trucks at once. They were red and running on a dusty road. It's the first time this year."

The opening of the new bridge has been postponed for nearly five years due to lack of approach roads and customs inspection facilities in the North. However, construction is gaining speed this month, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. It continues even at nighttime. Dozens of trucks with their headlights on transport soil, ceaselessly.

[Soundbite] (MEDIA OUTLET SPECIALIZING IN N. KOREA AFFAIRS) : "They're building a customs office. I believe it's slated for completion in July. The new bridge is for promoting logistics."

Once the New Yalu River Bridge is open, the city of Dandong, where 70 percent of North Korea-China trade takes place, is expected to undergo significant change.