US Secretary of State John Kerry criticised China’s restrictions and militarisation of the South China Sea at a regional meeting in Malaysia.
Accusing China of constructing facilities for military purposes on man-made islands, Mr Kerry said,
“Freedom of navigation and overflight are among the essential pillars of international maritime law. Despite assurances that these freedoms would be respected, we have seen warnings issued and restrictions attempted in recent months.”
The Chinese president is set to visit Washington next month.