China denied on Thursday claims by two U.S. journalists, jailed by North Korea for illegal entry into the reclusive state, that they were seized on Chinese territory, Reuters reported.
Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee told The Los Angeles Times that they strayed into North Korean territory in March when visiting a frozen river that marked the border with China.
They said they rushed back to the Chinese side but North Korean guards chased them and dragged them into North Korea.
"According to the understanding of the relevant departments, they did not find the situation as you described it," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters in response to a question about the two U.S. journalists' claim.
The pair were released in early August when former U.S. President Bill Clinton traveled to Pyongyang, where he met leader Kim Jong-il and secured their freedom.