Chinese state media says authorities have begun a crackdown against illegal immigration in a northeast border region with a large population of defectors from North Korea. The China Daily today said the five-month campaign began last week in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, where North Koreans have long fled to escape political persecution and famine. 
The paper quoted a local police official as saying the campaign will target foreigners who live and work illegally, saying they are hidden troubles, and they might pose potential threats to social stability. The crackdown in Yanbian comes days after a similar campaign against illegal immigration got underway in the capital, Beijing.