A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday that a group of people who have illegally entered China from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are not refugees.

Spokesman Hong Lei made the remark at a daily press briefing when asked to address the issue of illegal border crossers from the DPRK.

"The relevant people entered China illegally due to economic reasons. They are illegal border crossers. They are not within the category of refugees," Hong said.

Hong reiterated that China has prudently and properly dealt with relevant issues based on domestic law, international law and the humanitarian spirit.