The message is clear that China will steer any and all decisions involving North Korea. The fact that Kim had to bow to Bejing basically says it all. PRC has always and will continue to be the strength which props up PRK.
North Korea's Kim Jong-un strings are controlled and will continue to be pulled by China's Xi Jinping. The North Korean leader's meeting with Chinese president went well and he has received his orders. A return of the prodigal son before any Trump-Kim meeting is a snub to squeeze the US out the picture for now.
Kim Jong Un just sent a powerful message to Trump: China is back on North Korea’s side https://bloom.bg/2pNleUO
Mr. Kim goes to China https://www.ft.com/content/186458c8-325f-11e8-ac48-10c6fdc22f03
Kim, Xi portray strong ties after NKorea leader's China trip https://www.apnews.com/1fdd610f9ef84af79243faa5c284a7a3
China says North Korea's Kim pledged commitment to denuclearization https://reut.rs/2ungwCw
North Korea's Kim Jong-un meets with China's Xi Jinping https://youtu.be/QhAB1tBL2dE