N. Korea accuses South of subversion via China

TOKYO -- North Korea has accused South Korea of using China as a training base to undermine the Pyongyang regime.

"They have gone to the length of offering money and weapons to reactionary organizations to train armed bandits for an armed revolt and terrorism in our areas," a North Korean government agency said.

The statement, relayed by the North Korean news agency KNCA, said South Korean agents are operating in the northestern Chinese provinces of Jilin, Liaoning and Heilongjiang.

The North Korean claim has been repeated several times in the past. But the announcement on late Wednesday is the first time Pyongyang has used the term armed revolt. South Korea has denied the charge.

The North Korean committee said South Korean agents are hiring "dishonest young people" for training to enter North Korean and foment unrest.

The charge comes as North Korea has allowed a U.S. delegation to inspect a suspected nuclear weapons site in Kumchang-ri, northwest of Pyongyang. At least two inspections are planned starting on May 18.