Clinton talks to China, others about WikiLeaks

WASHINGTON (AP) - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has reached out to several countries about the expected release of classified State Department cables by the WikiLeaks website.

Clinton reached out to leaders in Germany, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Britain, France and Afghanistan, spokesman P.J. Crowley said in a tweet Friday evening.

Separately, Crowley confirmed that Clinton spoke Friday by phone with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi about the release.

He said U.S. diplomats were warning foreign governments about what the documents may contain. The cables are thought to include candid assessments of foreign leaders and governments and could erode trust in the U.S. as a diplomatic partner.

Crowley said the release will place "lives and interests at risk." The release is expected this weekend.