The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses concern over China's "provocative behavior" around Taiwan, during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Laos.
Wang Yi responded by urging the US not to interfere in the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines. The conflict concerns the atoll Second Thomas Shoal, which both countries claim.
The American side should refrain from fueling the conflict, creating problems and undermining stability at sea, says Wang in the statement.
Tensions between China and Taiwan have risen recently. In mid-July, 66 Chinese fighter jets were detected within a day around Taiwan – a record figure for this year. At the same time, several Chinese coastguard vessels intruded into Taiwanese waters.
China views the self-governing democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory and does not rule out the use of force to take control of the island nation.
