China is refocusing its relationship with North Korea as the latter solidifies its status as a nuclear power. President Xi's silence on North Korea's nuclear program marks a shift in regional dynamics.

Xi's silence on North Korea's nuclear program came as Kim tried to convince the world of the irreversibility of his country's status as a nuclear power. <img alt="In this photo provided by the North Korean government, Chinese President Xi Jinping (center left) shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (center right) during a welcome ceremony in Pyongyang on Monday." src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5402x3602+0+0/resize/5402x3602!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-bri...