Chinese–Korean Border Fence - China's Side

China's Side

China has put up a massive concrete and barbed wire fence along parts of its border with North Korea to block a possible influx of refugees. China's PLA recently conducted military exercises and deployed additional troops near the North Korean border. They have also stepped up patrols and inspections along the border.

The fence is constructed of a 2.5-metre (8 ft 2 in) high,T-shaped concrete poles strung with barbed wire and constructed along the Yalu River with lower banks and narrower width.

China had left their border lightly guarded but it has become a security concern as tens of thousands of North Korean refugees began trickling across the border.

In November 2007, a U.S. official stated that China was building more "fences and installations at key border outposts".

China began reinforcing the fence around November 2010, by adding barbed wire, making it higher, to 4 metres (13 ft) and reinforcing patrols. New patrol posts are being built on higher ground to give wider visibility over the area. The new construction is believed to be related to the ongoing food crisis and instability in the North. According to a resident of the area: "It's the first time such strong border fences are being erected here. Looks like it is related to the unstable situation in North Korea." The resident also added that previously "anybody could cross if they really wanted" as the fence had only been ten feet high with no barbed wire.