PLA massing troops near North Korean border, says Seoul media

Reports that China is massing thousands of soldiers at its border with North Korea have raised concerns that Beijing is preparing for possible turmoil amid talk Kim Jong-il is losing his grip on power.

Citing satellite photos and quoting sources in Washington, South Korean media yesterday reported that a 10,000-strong PLA division was building barracks on the border in preparation for a prolonged deployment in the area.

'What was first thought to be a move to block a massive influx of North Korean defectors looks now more like a pre-emptive move anticipating internal turmoil,' the Joongang Ilbo quoted a source as saying.

But Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Dawei rejected reports of a troop build-up yesterday.

'This kind of report is completely groundless and unreasonable,' he said.

'After reading this article, people will believe it's true and I think that's very dangerous.'