China re‑centers North Korea ties as nuclear silence reshapes balance

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, Chinese President Xi Jinping (center left) shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (center right) during a welcome ceremony in Pyongyang on Monday. 朝鮮通信社/KCNA via KNS via AP hide caption toggle caption 朝鮮通信社/KCNA via KNS via AP SEOUL/SHANGHAI — The leaders of China and North Korea reaffirmed their alliance this week in Pyongyang, emphasizing strategic cooperation while avoiding public discussion of North Korea's nuclear weapons …