A shift from pursuing denuclearization to merely managing or freezing the North’s nuclear program could amount to de facto recognition of its nuclear status.

The announcement was made by both countries Friday a day after North Korea unveiled a new facility to produce nuclear fuel.

The two-day trip at the invitation of Kim Jong Un comes as Beijing seeks to shore up traditional alliances amid shifting U.S. and regional policies

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit North Korea next week. This marks his first trip in almost seven years. The visit follows North Korea's recent reveal of a new…