The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Thursday that up to eight thousand North Korean soldiers have fled across the border into China, escaping persecution for human rights abuses and poverty in their home country.
"More than eight thousand North Korean military personnel have crossed the border into China to escape persecution and poverty in North Korea. This is yet another reminder of the ruthless actions of the Kim Jong Un regime towards its own people," Blinken said.
Blinken also noted that this information about the refugees comes alongside information regarding the ongoing crisis in North Korea due to famine and repression.
"The crisis in North Korea is deepening, and we continue to witness horrific human rights violations by the Kim Jong Un regime against its own citizens," underscored the U.S. Secretary of State.
