Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un have reaffirmed ties between China and North Korea, while downplaying nuclear tensions. This renewed alliance presents a growing challenge for the US in addressing North Korea's expanding nuclear capabilities.

With Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un reaffirming ties while sidestepping nuclear tensions, the U.S. faces a growing challenge in responding to an increasingly confident, nuclear-armed North Korea. <p>With Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un reaffirming ties while sidestepping nuclear tensions, the U.S. faces a growing challenge in responding to an increasingly confident, nuclear-armed North Korea.</p><img src="https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5851837" />