SEOUL, Feb. 9 (Yonhap) -- An inter-Korean civilian group met in China Thursday, South Korean officials of the group said, despite expressed opposition from the Seoul government that could lead to prosecution for the South Koreans involved.

The officials from the South Side Committee for Implementing the June 15 Joint Declaration said talks began in China's Shenyang and would last until Friday as the sides prepare events to mark the 12th anniversary of the June 15 declaration, adopted at the first inter-Korean summit in 2000.