China’s President Xi Jinping says relations with North Korea have entered a “new start,” ahead of an upcoming meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to reporting from multiple outlets. The comments come as North Korea’s economy is described as improving, alongside expanding cooperation tied to growing trade and military links. Several accounts link the momentum in North Korea’s external relationships to increased engagement with Russia, which is framed as a factor supporting both economic activity and broader security cooperation. The planned summit is presented as a significant step in consolidating the trajectory of China–North Korea engagement, with Xi’s remarks signaling continued political support. The coverage collectively depicts the meeting as occurring in a period of heightened regional dynamics, where North Korea’s posture and economic conditions are influenced by its partnerships. Overall, the articles converge on Xi’s public characterization of a fresh phase in ties, and on the context of strengthening North Korea–Russia cooperation and expanding trade and military connections, setting the stage for Xi and Kim to meet.