US adversaries China, North Korea strengthening ties as Xi, Kim set to begin talks

A pair of U.S. adversaries — China and North Korea — appear to be strengthening relations, with Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in Pyongyang on Monday for a rare state visit. This is Xi's first trip to North Korea in seven years, and experts say the visit is likely aimed at reasserting China’s unique influence over North Korea in exchange for providing economic and political benefits. Xi is scheduled to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in what will be their first summit since Septembe