China extols North Korea's Kim Jong Il, denies reports of arrests

BEIJING, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- China paid tribute to former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il on his death anniversary and denied reports that 100 Chinese nationals were arrested on spying charges.

The separate announcements came days after North Korea's all-female Moranbong Band abruptly canceled its weeklong "friendship" concert tour in China, which set off speculation of a possible dispute between the band and Chinese officials.

Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China "holds Comrade Kim Jong Il in the highest regard, for making significant contributions to China-North Korea relations," South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

Hong added Beijing appreciates the former Kim's "contributions to promoting socialism," though at one point made the mistake of confusing Kim Jong Il with his son and current ruler Kim Jong Un.

China has officially denied recent issues that could be posing challenges to bilateral relations with Pyongyang.

China's state-owned newspaper People's Daily stated Friday that South Korean reports of mass arrests of Chinese citizens in North Korea are "baseless rumors."

South Korean outlet Daily NK had reported Monday authorities had arrested 100 Chinese residents in North Korea on spying charges, and that the Chinese ambassador to Pyongyang has been placed under surveillance.

China's state-controlled media network Global Times said the report was not based on facts, and that the outlet was trying to play North Korea and China against each other days after North Korea's Moranbong Band suddenly returned to Pyongyang.

South Korean newspaper Segye Ilbo reported the causes of cancellation are still under investigation, but the incident isn't the first of its kind.

North Korea's Chongbong Band, another all-female troupe, reportedly had some conflicts with their hosts in Russia over finances in August and September.

The Russian government allegedly requested $300,000 in lodging fees, but North Korea refused to pay, and eventually the two sides agreed to share the costs, according to an unidentified diplomatic source.