Washington stance on Nansha applauded

Chinese experts yesterday praised the neutral stance of the US over the Nansha Islands, a key region of the South China Sea, saying it is in all nations' interests to avoid disputes.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said this week during a visit to the Philippines that his country has "no position" on territorial claims.

Li Daguang, senior military expert at the National Defense University, said Gates' position is "appropriate and reflective of true reality".