SHENYANG, China, Jan. 5 (UPI) — China formally protested to North Korea after an army deserter allegedly crossed the border and killed four people in the border city of Helong, China.
The formal complaint is the latest example of strained relations between North Korea and its only international ally, although violence at the border is rare. The unidentified soldier, 26, crossed the Tumen River separating the two countries on Dec. 27 and allegedly killed four elderly people in their homes in robbery attempts, the South Korean Yonhap News Service reported Monday, adding the suspect was quickly shot and captured by police in a manhunt.
The suspect is presently unconscious in a hospital, the British newspaper the Guardian said.
Chinese authorities and state-run media have not released details, except to say a formal protest was lodged by Beijing.
“China’s public security bureau will handle the case according to law,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said, meaning the suspect will likely be tried in China instead of returning him to North Korea. Defectors are typically ruled economic migrants and handed back to North Korea.
The Tumen River is a common crossing point for defectors from North Korea, as well as for robbers in search of food and cash.
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