Beijing (AsiaNews/Scmp) - Reports that China is massing thousands of soldiers at its border with North Korea have raised concerns that Beijing is preparing for possible turmoil amid talk Kim Jong-il is losing his grip on power. Citing satellite photos and quoting sources in Washington, South Korean media yesterday reported that a 10,000-strong PLA division was building barracks on the border in preparation for a prolonged deployment in the area.
"What was first thought to be a move to block a massive influx of North Korean defectors looks now more like a pre-emptive move anticipating internal turmoil," the Joongang Ilbo quoted a source as saying.
But Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Dawei rejected reports of a troop build-up yesterday. "This kind of report is completely groundless and unreasonable," he said. "After reading this article, people will believe it's true and I think that's very dangerous."
He said he had witnessed "huge changes" for the better in North Korea, which left Mr Kim more firmly in control of the country. "I paid a visit to North Korea in September. I discovered huge changes. It is politically stable and its economy is developing," Mr Wu said, adding that the living conditions of ordinary North Koreans had improved significantly.