75 Length of stay more than 10 years less than 1year more than 1year more than 5years th Source: Authors’ own survey (Hanawon North Korean refugee women, 4 Aug. 2009, personal data item no. 12) What position did North Korean refugee women have when living in China? Similar to international migrant women, North Korean refugee women residing in China departed their country with the ambition of providing for their families’ livelihoods and the wish to live a different life; however, they show some special characteristics. Firstly, China does not legally recognize North Korean refugee women as refugees and regards them as illegal residents who have entered Chinese territory unlawfully on economic grounds. As China considers North Korean refugees as illegal immigrants who left North Korea and came to China for economic reasons, i.e. for the procurement of food, the Chinese administration takes the view that they constitute an issue of bilateral relations between North Korea and China, not a matter in which third countries or international organizations can interfere.35 Because this position is based on the estimation that if North Korean refugee women were granted refugee status, a situation of mass flights from North Korea would ensue and cause economic damage as well as social chaos, it is likely that China will not grant North Korean refugee women official refugee status in the future either. 35 Kang, Hyobaek. Chinese Laws Regarding Relationships of Factual Marriage of North Korean Refugee Women Living in China and Their Children’s Status. Lives for Sale. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea.