South China Sea

Minister Wang Yi: China rapid reclamation effort around seven reefs in the Spratly archipelago of the South China Sea has alarmed claimants such as the Philippines and Vietnam, according to Asahi Shimbun. On May 16, Kerry urged China to take action to reduce tension in the South China Sea. Kerry trip has been dominated by deepening security concerns about Beijing maritime ambitions in the South China Sea. His call was rebuffed by China Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said Beijing determination to protect its interests in the area is "as hard as a rock." Kerry trip is intended to prepare for the annual U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue next month in Washington and Xi expected visit to Washington in September, a trip that Xi said he looked forward to. But the model also outlines a respect for "each other sovereign and territorial integrity as well as political system and development path." "In my view the China-U.S. relationship has remained stable," Xi told Kerry at Beijing Great Hall of the People at a session open to reporters. Xi has repeatedly told Obama of his desire for a "new model of major country relationship," in which China would be viewed as an equal global player. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.