In late July ASIAPRESS reporter recently visited the Yalu River on the Sino-North Korean border. Sakjoo County, in north Hamkyung Province lies across the river from China. The area resembles any other rural, peaceful place, but a closer look reveals endless rows of barbed wire along the North Korean side of the river.
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The barbed wire is in place to prevent defections and smuggling between North Korea and China.
The Yalu River is a precious source of water for North Koreans. They use the river for washing, bathing and fishing. It is also a source of drinking water. The barbed wire separates local residents from the river and must be causing a great deal of difficulty for ordinary people.
Compounding matters, further upstream the wire has been electrified. A Korean Chinese who accompanied the reporter lamented: “The whole nation became a prison camp.” (ISHIMARU Jiro)
* Editor’s notes on North Korean reporters
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