A new cross-border bridge has opened over a river between China and North Korea, raising the potential for increased bilateral economic exchanges amid ongoing international sanctions.

The bridge that opened on Monday connects North Korea's northern city of Manpho and the Chinese city of Jian in northeastern Jilin province.

The construction of the bridge started in 2011 on the instruction of then North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, who visited China that year.

The two sides were connected in 2012, but the official opening of the bridge has since been delayed as bilateral ties worsened due to North Korea's repeated nuclear and missile tests.

Monday's opening comes as bilateral relations improve after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China on four occasions over the past 13 months.

North Korea apparently wants to obtain foreign currency by using the bridge to expand trade with China and attract tourists.

NHK