Panetta arrives in China for defence talks amid tensions

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta is in China where he may get a frosty reception from officials unhappy with America’s expanded military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

His three-day visit comes amid escalating tensions over territorial disputes involving China and Japan, and questions about whether the US is backing its Japanese allies in those disagreements.

This is Panetta’s first trip to China as defence chief, and it is expected to include several historic visits, including meetings with the country’s leaders. Panetta’s stay in China was extended in recent days so that he could visit a key naval base where he will see a Chinese submarine and frigate.

Panetta said on Monday that US and Japanese officials have agreed to put a second defence system in Japan aimed at protecting the country from the threat of a missile attack from North Korea.

The exact location of the radar installation has not yet been determined. It will be in the south, officials said, but not in Okinawa.

Officials stressed that the system would be aimed at protecting the region against the threat from North Korea and is not directed at China.