U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice is in Beijing for talks with Chinese officials in the highest-level visit by a White House official since an international tribunal issued a ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims to the South China Sea, a move that was set to fuel tensions.
The tribunal's July 12 ruling, which angered China, was not raised in opening remarks Monday in front of the media at Rice's meeting on Monday with the country's top diplomat, State Councilor Yang Jiechi.
Rice said the U.S. and China have been cooperating more closely on global issues and that she's confident that they could work through other challenges with “candor and openness.”
Yang said the sides had stable relations but that there are still differences that have to be carefully managed.
