China Daily, Beijing, Nov. 30, on Korean tensions:

Tension and hostility obviously rein on the Korean Peninsula at the moment following the exchange of artillery fire between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Nov 23. If the international community does not move to take action, the strained situation on the Peninsula may continue to escalate.

Judging by the antagonistic phrases they are using, it seems the two Koreas are inching ever closer to the brink of war. ROK President Lee Myung-Bak vowed to make the DPRK “pay the price” for its “inhumane” artillery attack on a frontline island that killed four people.

Meanwhile, the DPRK denounced the joint military drill under way between the United States and the ROK, saying it brings war to the Peninsula and the country is ready to fight back.

With the smell of gunpowder getting ever stronger, the US-ROK military drill has only intensified the tense situation in the region. …

Under such circumstances, the international community cannot afford to take a wait-and-see attitude, as a further worsening of the situation on the Peninsula would not only jeopardize peace and stability in Northeast Asia, but also world peace. …

China is endeavoring to mitigate the situation as soon as possible and safeguard peace and stability of the Peninsula. …

It is to be hoped that the relevant parties will make joint efforts to secure an early resumption of negotiations and seek solutions to the current worrying situation on the Peninsula.

Online: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn