Automobile bridge on the Tuman river: new perspectives for the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

The Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has caused a great resonance in the world, its conseguences are being actively discussed both among political circles and among scientists. Together with the Treaty, there was signed the agreement on the construction of an automobile bridge over the Tuman River. This article analyzes the possible positive and negative conseguences of the implementation of this project, taking into account the economic and political issues. The author concludes that the construction of the bridge will expand ties between Russia and the DPRK, increase tourist flows, attract investment for regional development, and reduce the dependence of both countries on China. The new logistics artery will become an important strategic facility that is already creating a balance of power in the region. The construction of the bridge over the Tuman River gives more maneuver for negotiations for all participants: China is beginning to have more weight for Western countries and their allies, being perceived as an interested party capable of influencing the DPRK and the Russian Federation; the DPRK is actively developing trade with China, which benefits from maintaining and strengthening its position in the economy of North Korea to maintain influence; Russia will have the opportunity to intensify economic relations with the DPRK by creating a new logistics and tourism route. At the same time, investments in infrastructure will serve as a driver for the regional development of Primorye region. The dialogue with China on shipping permits can be continued, and joint projects on Tuman river reconstruction can be proposed. At the same time, the organization of cargo transportation along the Tuman River will be technically impossible until the railway bridge is reconstructed and dredging works are carried out, environmental issues are not resolved and the appropriate infrastructure is not created.