Higher military activity around North Korea

seoul/peking - 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. It comes after the recently held military parades. On both sides of the border there are high concentrations of military equipment while there is great concern about a new nuclear test by Pyongyang.

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.