Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday. He makes a rare state visit. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, welcome Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at the airport. Xi makes his first visit to North Korea in seven years.

Xi is expected to hold a summit with Kim. The trip lasts two days. It will be their first meeting since September. They met in Beijing then. Russian President Vladimir Putin was there. Experts say the visit aims to strengthen China’s hold on North Korea. They also say it aims to shape ties. Both countries face pressure from the U.S.

China has long been North Korea’s main money backer. China has also been its main diplomatic supporter. Analysts say Xi may offer aid. They name rice, fertilizer, tourism, and joint projects. They also expect him to avoid public pressure on Kim. They mean pressure on denuclearization. China says it still supports that long-term goal.

The visit comes as North Korea grows closer to Russia. It also grows its nuclear program. Kim recently showed a new nuclear ingredients plant. He also vowed to strengthen his nuclear forces. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said North Korea makes enough nuclear material for about 10-20 bombs each year.