Kim Jong Un welcomes Xi Jinping in North Korea

China’s leader, Xi Jinping was welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as he arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday.

The welcome ceremony at the airport also included a 21-gun salute, release of thousands of balloons and crowds lining the streets, as Xi’s car wound its way to the mausoleum where the North Korea’s founder Kim Il Sung and successor Kim Jong Il -- the grandfather and father of the current leader -- lie in state.

Xi is the first Chinese president to visit North Korea in 14 years, after relations between the Cold War era allies deteriorated over Pyongyang's nuclear provocations and Beijing's subsequent backing of UN sanctions.

Several analysts believe that Xi's visit will be largely symbolic, with no formal joint communique expected -- as was the case with Kim's April summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Russia.

Authorities have imposed tight restrictions on coverage. International journalists in Pyongyang were told they would not be able to cover it, while foreign media organisations initially invited to attend proved unable to secure visas.

Sources said the Chinese media delegation accompanying Xi was also reduced in size from initial plans.

The North wants to demonstrate to Trump that it has China's support with nuclear negotiations at a standstill after Trump and Kim's second summit broke up without a deal.

In Hanoi in February the two men disagreed in February on what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief.

Analysts say the trip is equally a chance for China to showcase its influence in the region and the talks process, at a time when it is at loggerheads with the US over trade.