Chinese authorities threaten to arrest Daily NK reporters

The Chinese authorities have recently stepped up inspections and security along the border with North Korea. The authorities in Dandong, Liaoning Province, issued a warning specific to Daily NK last year after an incident involving South Koreans. This marks the first time this organization has been mentioned by name by Chinese public security officers.
A source along the border with knowledge of the situation recently spoke to Daily NK about an incident in July 2016 when the Chinese authorities arrested a group of South Koreans in Dandong and confiscated their passports, vehicle, cameras, and other items. After inspecting the photos, they discovered that the group had taken photos and videos of Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, during their time on a tour of the Yalu River. They accused the group of being associated with Daily NK and released them after warning them not to repeat their actions in future.
During the process, a Chinese public security officer stated that a 2014 report from Daily NK using secret footage of the large oil pipeline (used to supply North Korea) “caused them some embarrassment.” As a result they remain “determined to defeat Daily NK” and will arrest “any affiliated parties within China’s borders.” 
While Daily NK’s Special Investigations Team did travel to China to cover the oil pipeline in 2014, the South Korean group detained by the Chinese authorities last year was completely unaffiliated with Daily NK. The Investigation Team reported on details of the construction, including the fact that the Chinese government was laying pipes underground. Due to the sensitive nature of the reporting, the Chinese authorities have apparently begun targeting Daily NK. 
A separate source in China familiar with North Korean affairs said, “The Chinese authorities are trying very hard to suppress information about the oil pipeline, which is a highly sensitive project. I have heard that the police will be actively seeking out Daily NK reporters not only in Dandong, but also in Yanji and Changbai.”