(VOVworld) – US Secretary of State John Kerry has expressed concerns over China’s construction of articifial islands and military activities in the East Sea. During talks with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 48^th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia, Kerry warned that China and other parties involved should stop activities that might escalate tensions in order to pave the way for diplomatic measures.

Speaking at the ASEAN Regional Forum on the same day, Kerry also urged Beijing to halt its construction of articifial islands in the East Sea and seek effective solutions to maritime disputes. He said that Washington shares the ASEAN countries’ wishes to ensure peace and security in the East Sea. He also stressed the need to maintain security for sea routes and fishing grounds as well as to resolve disputes in the East Sea peacefully and in line with international law.