China's President Xi Jinping has kicked off his first visit to North Korea in seven years. It is also Xi's first international trip this year after hosting key summits with US and Russian leaders.

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

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea next week, state media in both countries reported Friday, marking his first trip to the isolated state since 2019.