Xi visits Pyongyang as China and North Korea seek closer ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for a rare state visit, signaling a possible effort by China and North Korea to deepen their relationship. The trip is Xi’s first to North Korea in seven years and comes as analysts say Beijing may be looking to restore its influence over Pyongyang through economic and diplomatic support. North Korea has increasingly relied on Russia in recent years, but China remains its main economic partner and longtime political backer. Xi is expected to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the visit. Experts say the talks could focus on aid, trade, and broader regional issues, while leaving the question of denuclearization unresolved.