North Korean military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine has taken up all the oxygen in the room in recent years, overshadowing and, some say, damaging its traditionally stronger ties with China.

But after apparent turbulence in the relationship last year, a steady stream of signs in recent months has suggested that Pyongyang’s relationship with Beijing may finally be on the upswing.

Bilateral trade is up. Transportation links could soon be restored. High-level officials are again attending joint events.

Experts told NK News that these are clear evidence of rapprochement, anticipating the eventual normalization of people-to-people exchanges.

And while one