BEIJING // Differences between the United States and China over disputed territory in the South China Sea remained obvious yesterday as Hillary Clinton held talks in Beijing during what is likely to be her final visit to China as US secretary of state.
Neither side gave ground on the South China Sea, which has emerged as a persistent irritant to both countries.
Mrs Clinton spoke of the need for multilateral negotiations to resolve differences, while China prefers to negotiate separately with each of the Asian countries with which its own claims conflict.
"Regarding the South China Sea, the position of the Chinese government has been consistent and clear cut," said Yang Jiechi, the Chinese foreign minister. "China has sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and their adjacent waters."
China's claims over much of the South China Sea, including the Spratly and Paracel islands, have put it at odds with Vietnam, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations.
A similar dispute has set China against Japan in the East China Sea.
Mrs Clinton emphasised the importance of a code of conduct for the maritime region being finalised in time for November's East Asia Summit in Cambodia, although Mr Yang yesterday only spoke of the "eventual" adoption of the code.
Mrs Clinton told reporters that such disagreements did not, however, have to hobble cooperation.
"I'm very proud of the strength and resilience that we have built into our relationship," she said after talks with Mr Yang in the cavernous Great Hall of the People here."It makes it possible for us to talk about anything, and to find ways to tackle issues frankly and forthrightly," Mrs Clinton said, adding that the two sides would not see eye-to-eye on all the issues that are part of their vast relationship.
Mr Yang said "history and facts" showed "China and the United States have interwoven interests".
The contrasting attitudes of China and the United States towards the Syrian crisis were on show, too, with Mr Yang saying Beijing's approach of resisting outside intervention was the "appropriate handling" of the situation. Mrs Clinton said Washington was "disappointed" Beijing and Moscow had vetoed UN Security Council measures aimed at pressuring the Bashar Al Assad regime.
The US and other countries are upset that China and Russia have repeatedly used their veto powers in the UN Security Council to block actions that could have led to sanctions against Mr Al Assad's regime.
There were signs of a closer accord on Iran, with Mrs Clinton praising movement from Beijing over trade and energy ties as the international community looks to pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme. "China is willing to maintain and strengthen dialogue, communication and coordination with the US," Chinese President Hu Jintao told Mrs Clinton, according to the Chinese foreign ministry's website.
Mrs Clinton also had been scheduled to meet Vice President Xi Jinping, who is set to take over as China's top leader in a transition that begins later this year, but that was cancelled.
dbardsley@thenational.ae
* With additional reporting by Reuters
Get Out
Director: Jordan Peele
Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford
Four stars
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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'Shakuntala Devi'
Starring: Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra
Director: Anu Menon
Rating: Three out of five stars
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 290hp
Torque: 340Nm
Price: Dh155,800
On sale: now
Temple numbers
Expected completion: 2022
Height: 24 meters
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor
THE BIO: Mohammed Ashiq Ali
Proudest achievement: “I came to a new country and started this shop”
Favourite TV programme: the news
Favourite place in Dubai: Al Fahidi. “They started the metro in 2009 and I didn’t take it yet.”
Family: six sons in Dubai and a daughter in Faisalabad
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
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EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
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