China's new ambassador signals reopening of North Korea.

China's new ambassador to North Korea, Wang Yajun, has taken up his post, indicating a reopening of interactions between the two countries after travel restrictions due to COVID-19. China is North Korea's main source of economic aid and political support. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has urged his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material, following a series of missile launches and rising threats against the country's enemies. China's support for North Korea and Russia is seen as an act of defiance against the U.S.-led liberal world order, while also ensuring security along its borders.