U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice held talks with Chinese officials Monday in the highest-level visit by a White House official since an international tribunal issued a ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.
The tribunal's July 12 ruling delivered a victory to the Philippines, a U.S. ally, but angered China and appears set to heighten regional tensions. The U.S., whose navy patrols the waters, has called on China to abide by the ruling while also urging calm.
The topic was not raised in opening remarks in front of reporters at Rice's meeting with China's top diplomat, State Councilor Yang Jiechi.On Monday, Rice told Yang that the U.S. and China have been cooperating more closely on global issues such as nuclear nonproliferation and the Ebola epidemic. She acknowledged that the sides also faced other "global issues and challenges."
