WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United States expressed Thursday its concern on the tension with Russia over the controversial missile defense plan, calling on cooperation between the two powers.

    "Certainly not on our side is there an escalation of tension, "State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood told reporters at the daily press conference, adding "We want to cooperate with Russia. ... we need a partner."

    U.S. Acting Undersecretary of State John Rood is expected to travel to Moscow for discussion over confidence-building proposals on nuclear arms reduction and missile defense, according to Wood.

    "It's probably a better idea to have John Rood there to discuss his proposals than having Russian officials talking about them in the press," Wood said.

    The United States is planning to deploy 10 missile interceptors in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic as part of its European missile shield. Related treaty or agreement were signed separately this summer.

    The Bush administration has tried to convince Moscow that the U.S. missile defense system in Europe was aimed at preventing from so-called rogue countries, but not targeted at Russia.

    Russia strongly opposes the plan, saying it poses a threat to its security. The Medvedev-led government has decided to station tactical missiles in s Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad bordering Poland.