China, US set for ‘vigorous’ talks on trade, South China Sea issues

Washington, United States | AFP – The United States is vowing not to “paper over” differences with China at key talks this week weighed down by thorny issues of trade, cyber spying and tensions in the South China Sea.

What's really behind China's clash with Vietnam

Territorial conflict is an old story in the South China Sea, where several nations make conflicting claims on the region—and its oil and gas potential. But the escalating conflict between Vietnam and China is something new altogether.

US boosts maritime security aid to Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — The United States will boost maritime security assistance to China's smaller neighbors amid rising tensions over disputed territories in the South China Sea, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced on Monday during a visit to Vietnam, where he also pressed the communist government on human rights and democratic and economic reforms.