Territorial disputes between Beijing and its neighbours are making waves in relations with the United States.
In talks hosted by his Chinese counterpart, US Secretary of State John Kerry has voiced concern about the pace and scope of China’s land reclamation drive in the South China Sea, notably around seven reefs in the contested Spratly archipelago.
Beijing, however, shows no sign of backing down.
Beijing rebukes US over South China Sea islands row, says defence of sovereignty ‘unshakeable’ http://t.co/7aPGf8dZff #SouthChinaSea— Agence France-Presse (@AFP) May 16, 2015
“Regarding construction on the Nansha islands and reefs, this is fully within the scope of China’s sovereignty,” said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, using his country’s name for the Spratly Islands.
“But with regard to all parties’ concerns, we are willing to increase mutual understanding through dialogue.”
China’s rapid reclamation effort within the Spratly archipelago has alarmed other claimants lik
