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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, positioning himself with a strong ally in Russia, a nuclear arsenal, and little interest in engaging with Washington. Xi's two-day visit to North Korea, his first in seven years, aims to bring Pyongyang back into China's sphere of influence. This comes as North Korea has deepened military and trade ties with Moscow, bolstered by its support in the Ukraine war, and continued to develop its nuclear capabilities despite UN sanctions. The isolated nation has also tightened its borders to prevent citizens from fleeing. North Korea has recently emphasized its military power, announcing plans for a 10,000-ton naval destroyer and reiterating its status as a nuclear-armed state just before Xi's arrival. Analysts view Xi's visit as a significant achievement for Kim, marking a "comeback" period for North Korea. While past visits have seen lavish receptions, relations have sometimes been strained over Pyongyang's nuclear program, with Beijing publicly opposing nuclear tests. North Korea has also been wary of over-reliance on China, with Russia's support offering a potential balance. Economically, North Korea may benefit from its military provisions to Russia, potentially increasing trade and investment with China. The summit is expected to focus on economic cooperation, as North Korea plans to boost its tourism industry and housing construction over the next five years. The country had previously shut its borders to foreign tourists in early 2020 due to strict COVID-19 controls, cutting off a vital source of foreign currency.

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