Korean tensions alarm U.S., China, Russia

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Envoys from the United States, China and Russia were urging the two Koreas Saturday to avoid a military escalation, an unofficial U.S. representative said.

In talks with North Korea in Pyongyang Friday, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, told CNN he encouraged officials to drop threats against the South if Seoul carries out plans to do live fire military exercises on a disputed island in coming days.

"I am urging them extreme restraint ... Let's cool things down. Let the exercises take place," he said.

North Korea shelled the island last month and killed four people. It has warned the South its response would be much more severe if the military exercise proceeds, the BBC said.

While the United States and North Korea have no diplomatic ties, Richardson has spoken unofficially in Pyongyang in the past.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Jiang Yu said in a statement Friday his country was "highly concerned" about the standoff.

"China resolutely opposes, without the least ambiguity, any actions that could lead to a deterioration and escalation in the situation and wreck regional peace and stability," the statement said.

Also Friday, Russia urged South Korea to cancel the military exercises, the report said.