Pakistan, June 8 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in North Korea on Monday in a rare diplomatic visit, declaring an "invincible friendship" with Pyongyang as Beijing and Pyongyang reaffirmed close ties amid shifting global alliances.

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The visit marks Xi's first trip abroad this year and his first visit to North Korea since 2019. His arrival was marked by a formal welcome ceremony, with military officers lining a red carpet and banners at the airport celebrating the "unbreakable friendship" between China and North Korea.

China remains North Korea's most important trading partner and a key source of diplomatic and economic support, particularly as Pyongyang continue...