JIAN, China — A new bridge spans the river dividing the outskirts of this border city from North Korea, a feat of cooperation speaking of two countries intimately bound by history, politics and trade.

While it spans more than 300 meters across the Yalu River, the bridge was completed in just 75 days, according to a local resident who claims his home was demolished for the construction.

It sounds like an impressive indication of Sino-North Korean efficiency – until you learn that this brisk period of construction finished in 2012 and the bridge has never been used.

On this November