Higher military activity around North Korea

South Korea is in a state of readiness in the run-up to another major celebration in North Korea, the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the national army next Tuesday.

US officials also said there was a higher level of activity from Chinese bombers on Friday. This would point to a possible growing resolve of Beijing, the only important ally of North Korea.

Russia also denied Friday media reports that it is working on a build-up of troops at its border with North Korea. Media in eastern Russia quoted local residents who had seen troop movements at the border with the Stalinist neighbor.