3 Chinese killed by N. Korean border guards

North Korea border guards opened fire on three Chinese nationals, killing the three, suspecting their crossing border illegally, said China's Foreign Ministry.

The three Chinese residents, living in Dandong city in northeastern Liaoning Province, were shot dead and another one was injured on Friday by DPRK border guards on suspicion of crossing border for illegal trade activities, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

He said the case was under investigation and further information will be released by the relevant department later.

"China attaches great importance to that and has immediately raised a solemn representation with the D.P.R.K.," Mr. Qin said, using the initials for North Korea's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Now the case is under investigation."

North Korean border guards have been known to act unpredictably. In 2009, two American journalists were detained by North Korean guards near the Chinese town of Yanji. They were released after former U.S. President Bill Clinton traveled to North Korea.

People's Daily Online