Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un projected unity and deeper ties this week, but the dynamic between China and North Korea has evolved considerably.

On social media, Chinese entrepreneurs are touting cheap labor across the border, as trade between the two countries regains momentum.

He used the pandemic to ruthlessly tighten his grip on the country. Then he energized its economy by leveraging Russia’s war in Ukraine.

As Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang, he faces an emboldened North Korean dictator, whose alliance with Russia has reduced his dependence on China.