Friendship or leverage: Why is Xi Jinping going to North Korea?

Xi Jinping is visiting North Korea for a two-day trip, marking his first visit in nearly seven years. The Chinese president aims to revitalise ties with Kim Jong-un and reassert influence over this strategically vital partner. The relationship has recently been strained due to a significant decline in trade during the Covid-19 pandemic and Pyongyang's strengthening ties with Russia. North Korea remains the only formal treaty ally for China despite these recent diplomatic tensions.