North Korea's heir apparent Kim Jong-un and his father Kim Jong-il, leader of the communist state, have made a rare public appearance in Pyongyang.

The national meeting was held in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of China's entry into the Korean War, in support of the Democratic People's Republic Korea (DPRK).

A high level Chinese military delegation, led by the Vice Chairman of China's powerful Central Military Commission, Guo Boxiong, arrived in Pyongyang for the commemorations on Sunday.

Kim Jong-un was seated at the head of the table on stage with his father. The North Korean leader's third son, is expected to have a pivotal role in boosting relations with China.

This was the heir apparent's second public appearance since he was unveiled as successor to the Workers Party of Korea Central Military Commission.

China was one of North Korea's few allies during the 1950-53 Korean War, and intervened after the North was driven to the Korean-Chinese border.

North and South Korea are still technically at war as conflict ended without an official peace treaty being made.