Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit North Korea for the first time in nearly seven years, with a meeting scheduled in Pyongyang with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday. The visit has drawn significant international attention, as analysts view it as a key step for Beijing to reaffirm its strategic position in North Korea rather than a routine diplomatic engagement.

Xi last visited North Korea in 2019 and has since reduced his foreign travel, typically hosting foreign leaders in Beijing. Experts suggest that the growing closeness between Russia and North Korea, particularly since the start of the Ukraine war, has raised concerns in Beijing. Reports indicate that Russia has provided North Korea with around $14.4 billion in assistance, including advanced military technology, in exchange for weapons and manpower.

Analysts believe Xi’s visit aims to strengthen China’s economic and political ties with Pyongyang amid fears of losing influence to Moscow. The trip also comes as North Korea accelerates missile tests and unveils AI-controlled tactical cruise missiles, adding to regional security tensions.