Q: It has been reported that Russia turned over 7 illegal immigrants from DPRK to China recently. Would you please update us about their whereabouts? How will the Chinese Government treat them?


A: It is true that there are some DPRK citizens who have made illegal entry into China along the China-DPRK border in recent years. However, they are not refugees either from the perspective of international law or judging from the reason why they crossed the border. China has handled this question in accordance with international practice and the relevant laws of China, while taking into account humanitarianism and peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. The background and purpose of these 7 illegal immigrants just turned over by Russia to China are no different from those of the other DPRK citizens who crossed the border illegally. China does not regard them as refugees. Therefore, China will deal with this question in line with the above-mentioned principles.