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                  Kerry, Chinese FM Discuss Territorial Rights

   by VOA News

   Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told visiting U.S. Secretary of State
   John Kerry Saturday that Beijing's determination to defend its
   sovereignty and territorial integrity is as firm as a rock and
   "unshakeable."

   The comment came at a news conference in Beijing after the two top
   diplomats held talks, discussing a number of topics including trade,
   North Korea's nuclear program, and simmering tensions in disputed areas
   of the South China Sea.

   Kerry's visit to China comes at a time of heightened tensions over
   China's expanding land reclamation effort in disputed areas of the
   sea.  In particular, China has been strengthening its land reclamation
   efforts in the region's Spratley Islands, parts of which are claimed by
   the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

   U.S. officials said this past week the Defense Department is
   considering sending military ships and planes to the South China Sea to
   assert freedom of navigation.

   That prompted a quick response from China's Foreign Ministry, which
   said the move would be considered provocative.

   Wang said Saturday China and the U.S. must work together to speed up
   progress on a bilateral investment treaty.  He also urged Washington to
   loosen restrictions on high-tech exports.

   After the meeting, Kerry tweeted he had a "Productive exchange with
   Wang regarding expanding areas of U.S.-China cooperation on critical
   regional and global issues," and said the focus of his meeting "was on
   human rights, press freedom, Iran talks, climate change and (the) South
   China Sea."

   Kerry will hold talks on Sunday with President Xi Jinping ahead of a
   Strategic and Economic Dialogue meeting later this year and the Chinese
   leader's planned visit to the U.S. in September.

   Kerry then travels to South Korea for talks with President  Park
   Geun-hye and other officials on bilateral and regional issues.

   After South Korea, Kerry travels to Seattle for U.S.-trade related
   talks.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-china/2771542.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-china/2771542.html