North Korea and China introduce AI-based surveillance at border, share information about unusual activity
Shots of surveillance cameras on the Chinese side of the border taken in January [Photo/NK Times]
North Korea and China have introduced advanced AI alert systems along their respective border areas.
While China completed its installation some time ago, North Korea began the process in early 2022 and completed installation across the entire border by the end of April.
An NK Times source in North Hamgyong Province confirmed that construction of the AI-based advanced alert system was recently completed along border sections at Hoeryong City and Musan County in Ryanggang Province.
The AI alert system is designed to automatically send alarm signals to the military command centers in both countries. The two countries are said to have established a real-time mutual sharing mechanism for any unusual activity, enabling a swift and effective response.
“The Chinese-made devices are installed at border guard posts and when there is a sign of anything abnormal, it is shared with the Chinese border patrols in real time,” the source said.
“Previously, with surveillance cameras, if duty officers fell asleep they would have no way to know what was happening,” he said. “But AI detects moving objects and issues warning sounds.”
“This upgrading of surveillance means we are entering an era where illegal activities across the border, especially defection, are unthinkable,” he said. “Because of this, there are quite a few residents sighing in despair.”
Kang is a reporter at NK Times, a Seoul-based media outlet focused on North Korean issues. He was born in 1978 in Chongjin and graduated from Chongjin 1st High School in North Korea. After 10 years of military service in the 4th Army Corps, he attended Chongjin Agricultural University before defecting.
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