A group of Chinese citizens in regions bordering North Korea are calling on the Chinese government to strengthen security to block North Korean escapees from entering China.
 
The call follows media reports about a North Korean army deserter who killed four Chinese nationals in the Chinese border city of Helong in Jilin Province late last month.
   
In his recent contribution to the media, a retired Chinese general stressed that electronic surveillance equipment should be installed in border areas that are popular as a breakout route among North Koreans fleeing their home country.
 
Some observers expressed concerns that the Chinese government could strengthen crackdowns on North Korean escapees staying in China and repatriate them to the North if public sentiment worsens further. Beijing regards North Korean defectors as economic migrants as opposed to refugees.
  
China is actually moving to tighten its security in border regions. Chinese security officials visited villages in Helong and asked residents to report any suspicious people.