The Australian government has made its initial moves to protect its thousands of citizens currently living in South Korea. Officials of the Defense department have revealed its evacuation plans for 7000 Aussies, as Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Bob Carr are jetting to China in an effort to help mitigate the conflict at the Korean Peninsula.

Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Francis Smith has confirmed that contingency plans are now in place to ensure the safety of thousands of Australians working and living in South Korea.

"In the normal course of events, we would do contingency planning for how we would deal with any Australian citizens who are caught up in any concern on the Korean Peninsula,'' Mr. Smith was quoted as saying by the news.com.au.

No details have been provided by the defense officials on how to evacuate Australian families in South Korea. But an action has been formulated to ensure their safe return home, should North Korea keeps it promise for the renewed conflict.

But a more concrete action is being undertaken by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Bob Carr. The two top Australian officials are reportedly heading to China in hopes to encourage Beijing officials to convince North Korea to drop any plans for an even more devastating and destructive nuclear war.

"We would urge North Korea to take a step back, to ratchet down its rhetoric and its actions, to submit to a cooling off period,'' Bob Carr said, according to news.com.au.

North Korea has declared on March 11, 2013 that it has entered into a “state of war” with South Korea, and any form of relationship of the countries is “finally over,” adding that “any issues raised between the countries will be dealt with accordingly.”

The United States has taken the threats seriously and vowed to protect South Korea. China’s People’s Liberation Army has increased troop movements in its border close to North Korea. The North has reportedly readjusted position of its nuclear arms following its earlier threats of war against its nemesis.

The conflict between North and South emanated from the old war between the two countries from 1950 to 1953. While there’s no clear peace treaty reached between the two countries, each has continued to strengthen military capabilities. South Korea has continued its joint military exercises with the U.S. while North Korea has further strengthened its relationship with China and Russia.

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