Chinese authorities are reported to have detained at least 60 people, believed to be North Korean asylum seekers, in a raid on two houses in Beijing.
Two South Korean activists who were helping the asylum seekers were among those detained in the raid Wednesday.
The detentions come amid a surge in North Korean asylum bids. Tuesday, China criticized foreign embassies and diplomatic missions for giving shelter to North Korean asylum-seekers.
Hundreds of North Koreans have broken into foreign embassies and consulates in China in recent years.