The United States and China clashed over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea on Saturday, as China’s foreign minister asserted its sovereignty to reclaim reefs saying its determination to protect its interests is “as hard as a rock”. After a private meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi showed no sign of backing down despite Kerry urging China to take action to reduce tension in the South China Sea. The United States does not take a position on the rival territorial claims in the South China Sea, but says international law does not allow for sovereignty to be “manufactured” by building up underwater reefs.

US, China clash over disputed Spratly Island. (2015, May 17). Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 15.