Has Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit helped cement China’s vital role?

The Chinese president wrapped up his visit on Tuesday afternoon after reaching what he said was a “critical consensus” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

He said the pair had reached agreement on “developing China-North Korea relations in the new era” and “exchanged in-depth views on maintaining regional and global peace and stability”, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Meanwhile, Kim said the visit had sent a clear signal to the world about their closer alignment.

Earlier that day, the two leaders visited the newly built campus of the Central Cadres Training School of the Workers’ Party of Korea – the top academy for officials – and laid a floral tribute at the China-North Korea Friendship Tower

, which honours the Chinese troops who fought in the Korean war.