The US and China stood firm on their positions in the South China Sea (SCS) row, but stressed the need to tamp down tension and said cooperation was the only option to peace. Senior diplomatic and military leaders from both countries met here on Friday to set the stage for a summit in Argentina between US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping later this month. As has been the usual gambit in their discussions, China demanded the US cease sending ships and planes close to disputed islands it claims in the SCS.

Katigbak, J. (2018, November 11). US, China not budging on SCS dispute. The Philippine Star, p. 16.