On a rare visit to North Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to bring the complicated traditional alliance to "new heights", in a likely attempt to reassert Beijing’s unique influence over its neighbour as it moves closer to Moscow.
Upon arrival at Pyongyang's international airport on Monday, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a lavish welcome ceremony complete with a red-carpet military salute and cheering crowds, according to Chinese state media.
