Anchor: As tensions are mounting over the possibility of another nuclear test in North Korea and a following U.S. air raid on the regime, a Chinese state-run newspaper hinted that its government is not bound to militarily engage in the event of a U.S. attack on the North. However the Global Times warned that the U.S. should be aware heavy casualties could arise as Pyongyang may fire artillery shells at Seoul in response.
Kim Bum-soo has more. 
 
Report: The Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty was signed in 1961, stipulating Chinese military engagement in the event of a preemptive attack on North Korea.
 
In an op-ed article on Saturday, Beijing’s state-run Global Times implied that the treaty's automatic engagement clause may not be applied on matters related to North Korea’s nuclear weapons development. 
 
It said that if Pyongyang's pursuit of its nuclear program continues and Washington launches a military attack on nuclear facilities in the North, Beijing should oppose the move by diplomatic channels, rather than get involved militarily. 
 
The paper then reminded Seoul and Washington that the North Korean regime could launch a massive counterattack on the South Korean capital city.
 
It also drew a clear red line, saying if the U.S. and South Korean ground troops cross the Demilitarized Line, China would not sit back and watch the attempt to overthrow the North Korean regime.
 
While providing the Chinese government's guidelines related to possible scenarios on the Korean Peninsula, the Global Times also warned that another nuclear test will dramatically decrease the amount of petroleum exported to North Korea. 
 
It said that a heavy reduction in petroleum exports does not mean completely turning off the supply, noting that Beijing will make sure the people of North Korea will not experience a humanitarian disaster.
 
The paper said that extend of petroleum-supply reduction should be determined by the UN Security Council.
Kim Bum-soo, KBS World Radio News. 

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