MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko and Chinese Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs Liu Xiaoming discussed the situation around the region during consultations, noting that the US and its allies’ military activities are jeopardizing the security environment in Northeast Asia.

"The parties discussed in detail the situation around the Korean peninsula, and noted that the reason for the current escalation is the US and its allies’ military activities, which are jeopardizing the security of all Northeast Asian countries," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the March 18 consultations.

The ministry added that the parties emphasized that, "it is necessary for Washington to abandon the Cold War bloc mentality and use only political and diplomatic means for resolving the problems of the subregion." "This should be confirmed by practical steps by the American side toward reducing tension and for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region on the basis of indivisible security," the ministry added.

"Russia and China agreed to further coordinate joint efforts and reinforce strategic cooperation both bilaterally and through international venues, primarily within the UN," the Russian Foreign Ministry concluded.