North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping, showcasing confidence bolstered by ties with Russia, a nuclear arsenal, and limited U.S

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea next week as Kim Jong Un pushes for an "exponential" expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal and deepens ties with Russia.

The Chinese leader's visit on June 8-9, his first in seven years, comes as Pyongyang strengthens relations with Russia.