Amid high tensions in the disputed South China Sea where Beijing continues to build artificial islands, a top Chinese military official hoped for diplomacy for his six-day visit to the United States.
General Fan Changlong, vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, started visiting San Diego on Monday.
He first visited the USS Ronal Reagan aircraft carrier.
As to reports, the general will also hold talks at the Pentagon with US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter
Carter earlier criticized China for building artificial islands in the disputed waters of the South China Sea where several countries including the Philippines have overlapping claims, accusing China of breaking the international rules.
The Defense Secretary also called for an immediate end to land reclamation by countries in the region.
The US official also believes that Beijing is putting up an airfield to which he said “does not afford the rights of sovereignty or permit restrictions on international air or maritime transit.”
President Barack Obama also warned Beijing to stop “throwing elbows.”
AFP reported that the general’s visit is a part of a years-long effort to build a regular dialogue between the American and Chinese armed forces to resolve prospective tensions.
H/T: Sputniknews.com; AP Photo