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John Kerry to take tough approach with Beijing over South China Sea

US Secretary of State will leave Beijing 'in absolutely no doubt' that Washington is committed to maintaining freedom of navigation and aviation in disputed South China Sea

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US Secretary of State John Kerry arrives to speak at the Nato foreign ministers meeting in Antalya, Turkey. Photo: AP

US Secretary of State John Kerry will leave China “in absolutely no doubt” about Washington’s commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation in the South China Sea when he visits Beijing this weekend, a senior State Department official said on Wednesday.

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Setting the scene for what could be contentious encounters with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, the official said Kerry would warn that China’s island reclamation projects in disputed waters could have negative consequences for regional stability and relations with Washington.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded by saying that Beijing was “extremely concerned” and demanded clarification.

US Assistant Secretary of Defence David Shear told a Senate hearing that the United States had right of passage in areas claimed by China.

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“We are actively assessing the military implications of land reclamation and are committed to taking effective and appropriate action,” he said, but gave no details.

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