China acknowledges Mattis' support for diplomacy

Beijing noted on Monday that US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis emphasized the role of diplomacy in handling South China Sea disputes. The Pentagon chief, speaking in Tokyo on Saturday, played down any need for major US military moves in the region.

However, analysts said, countries outside the region, including the United States and Japan, are unlikely to reduce their interference in South China Sea issues.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang acknowledged at a news conference on Monday the relatively soft tone Mattis took on his first trip abroad.