Why Xi Jinping Is Strengthening Ties With Kim Jong Un Again

Chinese President Xi Jinping's rare visit to North Korea marks a significant moment in regional geopolitics. His first trip to Pyongyang in seven years comes amid rising tensions between China and the United States, North Korea's expanding nuclear ambitions, and Pyongyang's deepening ties with Russia. The carefully choreographed summit between Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un underscored the strategic importance of a relationship that has shaped East Asian security for decades. For China, North Korea remains a crucial buffer against US military influence in the region. For North Korea, China continues to be an indispensable economic and diplomatic partner. Analysts also see the visit as Beijing's attempt to reinforce its influence over Pyongyang at a time when North Korea's growing military cooperation with Russia is reshaping regional dynamics. As geopolitical competition intensifies, the Xi-Kim meeting signals that the China-North Korea partnership remains a key factor in the balance of power across Asia. NDTV World explains the strategic calculations behind Xi Jinping's visit and what it means for China, North Korea, Russia and the United States.