US needs neutral policy on sea disputes

During her first visit to China over the weekend, US National Security Advisor Susan Rice said President Barack Obama views his scheduled visit to China in November as a milestone because he attaches great importance to Sino-US relations.

Although Obama's visit is still two months away, observers believe that the instability in the South China Sea owing to the "pivot to Asia" policy of the US will be high on the agenda of the Sino-US talks.

Beijing's stance has been reiterated by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said on Sept 7 that China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are fully capable of maintaining peace and stability, as well as ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. He also expressed understanding of reasonable concerns from non-regional countries and hoped them to play a constructive role in resolving the South China Sea issue.