The Wall Street Journal writes, "The U.S. is deeply concerned about China's behavior in the South China Sea and its cyber activities, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Monday as he headed for security meetings in the region. In his first major remarks on China as defense secretary, Mr. Carter struck a tough pose. He said the U.S. would invest in weapons including a new long-range stealth bomber as well as other assets to secure the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. also will deploy advanced aircraft and ships to the region, part of a gradual increase in attention to Asia during President Barack Obama's last two years in office."
According to Reuters, "Chinese President Xi Jinping told the visiting head of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party on Tuesday that the two countries must manage their dispute over the South China Sea well to maintain peace and stability, state media reported. Communist parties rule both countries and trade has swelled to $50 billion annually, but Vietnam has long been suspicious of its giant neighbor, especially over Beijing's increasingly assertive claims to almost the entire South China Sea...China claims about 90 percent of the South China Sea, displaying its reach on official maps with a so-called nine-dash line that stretches deep into the maritime heart of Southeast Asia."
"World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said Tuesday he will explore with Chinese officials how the U.S.-led development institution can collaborate with China's new infrastructure bank. Rather than rivals, Mr. Kim called the new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and other development institutions China is creating 'potential strong allies' in the global effort to eradicate poverty...Frustrated by U.S. control of the World Bank and its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund, China and other major emerging-market economies are setting up parallel financing institutions that challenge the established economic order long directed by the U.S.," reports The Wall Street Journal.