The nine young North Korean defectors at the centre of a diplomatic storm.<br/> <br />A war of words has broken out over the children - all thought to be orphans - who the UN believes were sent back to their authoritarian homeland by China last week.<br/> <br />The organization said it was concerned about the return of the children to North Korea, where they could face severe punishment for having fled.<br/> <br />Meanwhile, Beijing warned the UN against making "irresponsible remarks" about the children.<br/> <br />A foreign ministry spokesman said the nine had returned to North Korea on May 28 holding valid documents and denied that Pyongyang had sought to have them returned.<br/> <br />The footage was released by a South Korean lawmaker to bring media attention to the issue.<br/> <br />Professor of law, Park Sun-Yung, a vocal supporter of North Korea defectors, said she hoped the video - and resulting publicity - would prevent Pyongyang from executing the children.<br/> <br />Hundreds of North Koreans attempt to defec
