Bridge to nowhere shows China's failed efforts to engage North Korea

The sun rises behind the bridge over Yalu River that connects China's Dandong, Liaoning province, and North Korea's Sinuiju, September 11, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

DANDONG, China (Reuters) - Towering above the murky waters, the New Yalu River Bridge was supposed to symbolise a new era in relations between China and North Korea, helping bring investment to landmark free trade zones jointly run with the impoverished and isolated state.

Costing 2.2 billion yuan ($330 million) and partially completed last year, the dual-carriageway bridge today sits abandoned, the impressive border post on the Chinese side deserted and locked, not a soul to be seen.