US, China in verbal duel over maritime claims

[The Northerner]

Tensions between the United States and China spilled over into meetings of Asia-Pacific leaders on Friday as the two countries jostled over how to handle competing claims to the South China Sea. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao demanded that "outside forces" had no excuse to get involved in the complex maritime dispute a veiled warning to the United States and other countries to keep out of the sensitive issue.

"It ought to be resolved through friendly consultations and discussions by countries directly involved. Outside forces should not under any pretext get involved " Wen told a meeting with Southeast Asian leaders several of whose countries claim sovereignty to parts of the South China Sea.

The comments were carried on the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website (www.mfa.gov.cn).

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Obama said in Australia on Thursday on his last stop before jetting to the Asia meetings in neighbouring Indonesia that the US military would expand its Asia-Pacific role despite budget cuts declaring America was "here to stay" as a Pacific power.

Read more: http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/RestOfAsia/US-China-in-verbal-duel-over-maritime-claims/Article1-771061.aspx