North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is making a two-day visit to China during which he is expected to discuss his next steps after his nuclear summit with Donald Trump last week.
Security was tight on Tuesday morning at Pyongyang Airport and later at Beijing Airport, where paramilitary police prevented journalists from taking photos.
A motorcade including minibuses, motorcycles and a stretch limo with a golden emblem similar to one Mr Kim has used previously was seen leaving the airport.
A ring of police vehicles and black saloon cars surrounded the perimeter of the guesthouse, where Mr Kim stayed on his first visit earlier this year.
A similar convoy of vehicles was later seen leaving the state guesthouse in the direction of the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing.
The visit, while expected, is one way for China to highlight its crucial role in US efforts to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear programme.
The US has long looked to Beijing to use its influence with North Korea to bring it to negotiations, but the visit comes as ties between China and Washington are being tested by a major trade dispute.
This is his third visit to China, North Korea’s main ally and key source of trade and economic assistance.
After his summit with the US president, he was expected to meet Chinese leaders to discuss progress in halting his country’s missile and nuclear weapons programmes in exchange for economic incentives.
China’s foreign ministry refused to provide details on Kim’s visit other than to say that Beijing hopes it will help deepen relations between the countries.
