China fears N Korea 'conflict any moment'

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said if war occurred
there could be no winner. Mr Wang's comments come as the US voices
increasing concern at North Korea's development
of nuclear weapons and deploys a Navy carrier
group off the Korean peninsula. China, North Korea's only backer, fears conflict
could cause the regime to collapse and problems
on its border. Mr Wang said: "One has the feeling that a conflict
could break out at any moment. "I think that all relevant parties should be highly
vigilant with regards to this situation." "We call on all parties to refrain from provoking
and threatening each other, whether in words or
actions, and not let the situation get to an
irreversible and unmanageable stage." Adding to Chinese unease, President Donald
Trump said on Thursday that "the problem of
North Korea" would be "taken care of". "If China decides to help, that would be great. If
not, we will solve the problem without them!
U.S.A." The North Korean military responded on Friday
by saying it would "mercilessly foil" any US
provocation. "Our toughest counteraction against the U.S. and
its vassal forces will be taken in such a merciless
manner as not to allow the aggressors to survive,"
read a statement from the army, reported in
English by North Korea's official news agency,
KCNA.