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N. Korean army deserters kill 3 Chinese citizens: Chinese media

April 29, 2015
A barbed-wire fence on the North Korean-Chinese border (Yonhap)

A barbed-wire fence on the North Korean-Chinese border (Yonhap)

BEIJING, April 29 (Yonhap) — Three North Koreans believed to be army deserters killed three Chinese citizens in the border city of Helong last week, a Chinese media reported Wednesday, but China’s foreign ministry did not confirm who was behind the killing.

The Beijing News, citing a statement issued by a verified Weibo account of the propaganda department of Helong, said a manhunt has been under way.

The incident took place on Friday just across the Tumen River dividing China and North Korea, according to the report. South Korean public broadcaster KBS reported the incident on Tuesday night.

The Beijing News report identified the victims as a 55-year-old surnamed Chao, his 26-year-old daughter and a 67-year-old Sun.

When asked about the incident, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei only replied, “An investigation is under way.”

Hong did not give further details, including whether suspected North Korean army deserters were behind the killing.

On Dec. 28, a North Korean army deserter killed four Chinese citizens during a robbery in Helong, prompting Beijing to lodge a rare diplomatic protest with Pyongyang.

China has beefed up its border patrols since then.

It has not been uncommon for North Korean soldiers or citizens to cross the border into Chinese towns and attempt robberies in search of food.