China says it is deploying militias to protect its border with North Korea


China has organized civilian militias to protect its border with North Korea, according to a state-owned news agency.
The militias, as described by the publication, China Defense News, are part of an enhanced system to keep villagers safe from North Koreans, some of them armed soldiers and border guards who have been crossing into China in search of food and money. [The New York Times]
The move comes amidst rising tensions between China and North Korea, which has long relied on China as a benefactor and ally. In December, a high-ranking former Chinese general publicly complained that China had "cleaned up" North Korea's messes "too many times," which was seen as an indication that the Chinese regime may be growing tired of propping up the international pariah.
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Ryu Spaeth is deputy editor at TheWeek.com. Follow him on Twitter.
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