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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pyongyang, projecting an image of strength bolstered by a firm alliance with Russia, a developed nuclear arsenal, and a seemingly low appetite for engagement with Washington. For Xi, the leader of the world's second-largest economy, this two-day visit marks his first to North Korea in seven years and is part of an effort to draw the isolated state back into China's orbit.

Since Xi's last visit in 2019, which followed the collapse of denuclearization talks between Kim and then-U.S. President Donald Trump, North Korea has significantly altered its geopolitical stance. Kim has forged closer military and trade ties with Moscow, reportedly supplying troops for Russia's war in Ukraine. Simultaneously, he has continued to advance his nuclear capabilities in defiance of UN sanctions and maintained strict border controls to prevent defections.

On the eve of Xi's arrival, North Korea showcased its military advancements, announcing plans for a 10,000-ton naval destroyer and reaffirming its status as a nuclear-armed state. Analysts view Xi's visit as a significant achievement for Kim, marking a "comeback" after a couple of challenging years. This contrasts sharply with the strained relations that have sometimes marked the Sino-North Korean relationship, particularly over Pyongyang's nuclear program, which Beijing has publicly opposed.

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Having Xi visit Pyongyang is a big deal and the culmination of a good couple of 'comeback' years for Kim.

While past receptions for Xi in Pyongyang were lavish, the current dynamic is influenced by North Korea's increased leverage. Support from Russia appears to provide a strategic balance, potentially emboldening North Korea to increase trade and investment with China. Analysts suggest that North Korea is likely benefiting economically from its military provisions to Russia, which could enhance its negotiating position with Beijing.

Any substantive outcomes from the summit are expected to focus on economic cooperation, especially as North Korea embarks on a five-year development plan that includes expanding tourism and housing construction. The country's borders, shut in early 2020 due to strict COVID-19 controls, had cut off a vital source of hard currency. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists constituted the backbone of North Korea's tourism industry, representing 90% of visitors.

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North Korea is certainly gaining economically from what they're able to provide militarily to Russia. That actually puts North Korea in a position where they may feel more confident to increase the volume of trade and investment with China.