Chinese city ‘URGENTLY’ calls for Korean interpreters over fears of imminent nuclear war

A CHINESE city close to the border with North Korea is “urgently” recruiting Korean-Chinese interpreters amid fears that a nuclear war could be imminent.

Kim Jong'Un and Bridge to China GETTY

China may be making preparations for war

Hong Kong newspaper The Oriental Daily has published a story appealing for interpreters in Dandong to work in various industries, such as border security, trade and customs. 

Locals and experts have speculated that the appeal shows that China is preparing for a clash between the United States and the North Korea. 

The move sends signs that Beijing is preparing for an “emergency”, which could mean that North Korean refugees head to China. 

North Korea soldiers GETTY

North Korea soldiers on the border with China

From the middle of April, 100,000 Chinese troops have been mobilised to the border areas with North Korea

Local guide

The city of Dandong is crucial for the economy of as it serves as an import and export hub between China and North Korea. 

Donald Trump has warned North Korea that the country should not carry out any further nuclear tests or the US will strike. 

This comes as North Korea has warned that the US military’s show of force is pushing the Korean peninsula to the “brink of nuclear war”. 

Last month, leaders in Dandong ordered officials to work 24-hour shifts due to fears of military action. 

Dandong is the largest Chinese border city facing North Korea across the Yalu River. 

China police GETTY

China is recruiting more people to work in its security forces close to North Korea

Security officers, patrol cars and armed forces have been deployed across the city recently, which has affected its reputation as having a tourist-friendly atmosphere. 

A local guide said: “From the middle of April, 100,000 Chinese troops have been mobilised to the border areas with North Korea. 

"The region had previously been patrolled by border units, but were recently replaced by soldiers dispatched from the central army.”

North Korea has threatened “grave consequences” for China after Beijing called for tougher sanctions over Pyongyang’s nuclear programme.