South china sea waters
China’s role as a conflict mediator is growing fast. Here's why
The increase in Chinese mediation activities began in 2013, the year that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was launched.
Tehran had argued that the US sanctions imposed since May by the Trump administration violated the terms their 1955 Treaty of Amity.
The large tanker Sanchi sank in the worst oil ship disaster in decades on Sunday, raising worries about damage to the marine ecosystem.
Beijing is building military bases there on manmade islands in waters claimed by other nations.
The two leaders were expected to discuss what Beijing can do to rein in Pyongyang’s missiles and nuclear weapons programmes.
The USS Stethem, a guided-missile destroyer, sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island, part of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, the official said.
The North has proudly publicised its plans to develop a missile capable of striking the US & has ignored calls to halt its weapons programmes.
The brash Philippine leader last week announced his plan to raise the Philippine flag in the island of Thitu and fortify it with barracks.
The development is likely to raise questions about whether and how the US will respond, given its vows to take a tough line on China.
The incident comes a week after China scrambled fighter jets as a US Navy sailed close to a disputed reef.
A US defence official also confirmed the apparent deployment of the missiles, first reported by Fox News.
The oil rig has finished its first round of drilling in South China Sea waters, also claimed by Vietnam.