Top Chinese and American diplomats sparred publicly for the first time over China’s land reclamation in the South China Sea, with both sides offering hardly a clue as to what they might do to reduce regional tensions.

United States Secretary of State John Kerry told a joint press conference after talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the US expressed its concerns over the pace and scope of China’s land reclamation in the South China Sea.

“I urge China, through Foreign Minister Wang, to take actions that would join everyone in reducing tensions and increase prospects of a diplomatic solution,” said Mr Kerry, who arrived in Beijing yesterday for a two-day visit.

… Singapore-based analyst Li Mingjiang believes the US will deploy planes and warships as a pre-emptive move to stop China from declaring the waters around the man-made isles as part of its territory. He also thinks China will not budge from its plans despite criticism from the US and the other claimants.

“For the US, it would have to act on its threat of sending planes and ships or risk damage to its credibility and a further weakening of its regional influence,” Prof Li added.