Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang today aims to reaffirm the alliance between China and North Korea, with significant political implications for the Korean peninsula and East Asia. As North Korea's nuclear weapons program remains a point of contention, Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, emphasized its non-negotiable status. Despite China's position favoring denuclearization, recent meetings have not highlighted this goal, reflecting a shift in focus. North Korea is believed to have at least 50 nuclear warheads and has accelerated its nuclear capabilities since 2019. The urgency to manage the North Korean nuclear threat is increasing, particularly as South Korea and Japan consider developing their own deterrents amid doubts about U.S. commitments. The Ulaanbaatar Dialogue proposed a new framework for multilateral talks involving North Korea, South Korea, the U.S., and China, aiming to restore trust and institutionalize a peace regime on the Korean peninsula.