Xi meets Kim in Pyongyang as North Korea pivots to Moscow

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Pyongyang on Thursday, meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to reaffirm ties between the two countries. The visit comes as Kim strengthens his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about Beijing's influence over its traditional ally. Both leaders emphasized their "unbreakable friendship" during the talks, but analysts see the meeting as a strategic move by China to counterbalance North Korea's growing tilt toward Moscow. No major agreements were announced.