(VOVworld)-US Defense Secretary James Mattis said there was no need for “dramatic military moves” to react to China’s illegal acts in the East Sea.
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| US Secretary of Defense James Mattis addresses reporters in Tokyo on February 4 (Photo: EPA) |
At a press conference in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday, Mattis said Chinese action in the disputed territorial waters has “shredded the trust” of nations in the region. But he added at present, the US still prefers to exhaust all diplomatic efforts to try and resolve the dispute properly and maintain open lines of communication. The US Defense Secretary also confirmed the US’s commitment to protect Japan’s controlled areas including the disputed island which is called Senkaku by Japan and Diaoyu by China.
In another development, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said Friday that China and the United States, "with extensive common interests and colossal potential for cooperation", should continue their cooperation in line with the interests of the two countries and two peoples. Yang made the remarks during a phone call with US national security advisor Michael Flynn.
Mr. Flynn said that the US government, committed to strong bilateral relations, is willing to promote high-level communications with China, and conduct mutually beneficial cooperation and handle sensitive issues in a proper manner.