Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to North Korea next Monday for a two-day state visit, marking his first trip there in nearly seven years. The visit comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un strengthens his strategic partnership with Russia to ease economic isolation. Analysts say Xi aims to present a united front against the West while reaffirming Beijing’s influence over Pyongyang, which has recently leaned closer to Moscow.

Kim is expected to use his improved ties with Russia to seek greater economic benefits from China, while maintaining balance between his two powerful neighbors. North Korea’s renewed defense pact with Moscow and its supply of arms to Russia in exchange for oil, food, and technology have reduced its dependence on Beijing, raising concerns in China about losing regional leverage.

The summit may also touch on nuclear issues, though Kim has ruled out talks with Washington over his nuclear program. Analysts note that Beijing’s stance on North Korea’s nuclear ambitions appears to be softening, viewing Pyongyang’s arsenal as a potential strategic advantage against the United States and its allies.