Kim Jong Un Reaffirms China Ties as Beijing Eyes Deepening Russia-North Korea Bond

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made an unannounced visit to the Chinese border city of Dandong on Oct. 24, 2026, pledging to uphold China-North Korea ties that he described as an 'invincible friendship forged in blood.' The visit comes as analysts say Beijing is increasingly concerned that Russia's deepening military and economic ties with Pyongyang are eroding China's traditional leverage.