China has confirmed that three Chinese residents of Dandong city in Liaoning Province were shot dead and another one injured on Friday by DPRK border guards.

Foreign Ministry spolesman Qin Gang told a news conference that the four men were shot on suspicion of crossing the border for trade activities. Dandong city is a major shipping point and rail link between China and the DPRK.

Qin Gang said, "China attaches great importance to that and has immediately raised a solemn representation with the DPRK. Now the case is under investigation. I believe the relevant department will release information at the right time."