New North Korea-Russia bridge delivers a powerful message to China

The recent opening of a new road bridge between North Korea and Russia may look like a modest Infrastructure project. In reality, the 1km stretch across the Tumen River carries implications far beyond the movement of vehicles between two border towns.For China, it is a reminder that its influence over North Korea is no longer as secure as it once appeared and that Russia may be increasingly capable of challenging Beijing’s interests on its Northeastern periphery.The bridge, inaugurated on September 7, is the first dedicated road crossing between Russia and North Korea. It links the North Korean city of Rason with Russia’s Khasan, with Russian authorities saying the bridge will reduce transport costs and facilitate trade, Economic cooperation and year-round traffic.But the bridge’s importance is not simply economic. Its location gives it an important strategic dimension for China.