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By Lee Han-soo

Five North Korean soldiers who deserted their posts with weapons engaged in a shootout with Chinese authorities on Thursday after armed robberies in Jilin Province, according to diplomatic sources.

The soldiers entered China through Hyesan city in North Korea on July 23 and committed an armed robbery in Changbai Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province.

As the robbery spree intensified, the Chinese army and police formed a task force to catch the soldiers and a major shoot out ensued in a town inside the prefecture on Thursday.

Two of the soldiers were arrested but many of the Chinese were injured. Two Chinese police officers were rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical condition.

Chinese authorities have launched a manhunt for the three remaining soldiers.

"Authorities have issued a curfew to local residents until they arrest all the culprits," a diplomatic source said.

This is not the first time North Korean soldiers have looted nearby Chinese villages in times when there is a shortage of food in North Korea. In 2014, a North Korean soldier killed four Chinese citizens in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province.