During his first visit to North Korea since 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged 'unwavering' friendship and deeper ties. Denuclearization is likely off the table, given North Korea's growing nuclear arsenal and ties with Russia.

Chinese President Xi Jinping started his first visit to North Korea since 2019 pledging “unwavering” friendship and deeper ties with a country that boasts a growing nuclear arsenal and increasing ties with Russia. “No matter how times change or how the international situation evolves, the friendship between China and North Korea remains invincible,” Xi said in an article published on Monday by Rodong Sinmun, a state-run North Korean newspaper. The two countries should “strengthen exchanges at...