China has been boosting forces along its 880-mile border with North Korea, in fear of a regional crisis – including the remote possibility of an American attack, according to a published report on Monday.

The Wall Street Journal cited military and government websites and interviews with experts who have been following Beijing’s preparations, in light of escalating tensions between Pyongyang and Washington.

In recent months, China has been more aggressive in keeping an eye on the border with drones, the paper reported.

China has also moved new weaponry to the region and staged drills with special forces, airborne troops and infantry units, according to the WSJ.

Chinese officials on Monday downplayed any preparations they’re making along their border with the hermit kingdom.

A Defense Ministry rep said that its forces “maintain a normal state of combat readiness and training” right now.

And a Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “Military means shouldn’t be an option to solve the Korean Peninsula issue.”

Experts all agree that a US strike against North Korea is highly unlikely.

But if America is eventually forced to deal with North Korean tyrant Kim Jong-Un, the Chinese would be incredibly upset with bombs falling near their borders.

Beijing would also want to fortify its borders and prevent a flood of North Korean refugees entering China, experts said.

“If you’re going to make me place bets on where I think the U.S. and China would first get into a conflict, it’s not Taiwan, the South China Sea or the East China Sea: I think it’s the Korean Peninsula,” said Mark Cozad, a former U.S. intelligence official for East Asia, who now works at the Rand Corp.

While China wouldn’t necessarily jump to North Korea’s defense, Beijing at least wants the US to consult with it before pulling any triggers on military action against Kim’s regime.

Beijing desperately wants to Pyongyang and Washington to dial down the rhetoric.

“Time is running out,” said retired Chinese Army Maj. Gen. Wang Haiyun,who is now affiliated with several Chinese think tanks. “We can’t let the flames of war burn into China.”