The Korean Peninsula is on the brink of war, with the U.S. stating it won't tolerate a possible DPRK nuclear bomb test. Meanwhile, residents along the border between China and the DPRK hope war can be averted.
Though a war is looming large on the Korean Peninsula, more and more Chinese tourists are traveling to the border area. Wang Jianli, a street vendor selling Korean souvenirs, witnessed the boom firsthand. "The number of visitors has been growing rapidly recently. Now every day at this site I see over two hundred visitors. They all want to have a closer look at the DPRK," he said.
The possible test site of the DPRK nuke bomb is only 86 kilometers away from where Wang was standing. He admitted that he was afraid a possible nuclear test might ruin business on this side of the border. "All our properties and assets are here. If the U.S. strikes the DPRK in punishment, lots of refugees would flood here, and everything you can see here will be changed," he said.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said all options are on the table. However, local residents of a small village sitting at the border of China and the DPRK want a peaceful life instead of a war.
They are strongly opposed to a strike by the U.S.. Many believe that a strike will affect them so much that the Chinese government won't allow it to happen. In the meantime, they will keep calm and carry on their ordinary duties.
"The radiation of the nuclear test will absolutely affect us, since we are neighbors to the DPRK. It'll damage our safety. So it would be irresponsible for the DPRK if they really carried out a nuclear test," a local resident stated.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged for restraint from all parties in his phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.
