U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is warning that the U.S. will defend its Asian allies in the event of any conflict with China.
The Pentagon chief made his comments Tuesday after meeting in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan.
Hagel said Washington is "fully committed" to treaties obliging it to protect its longtime allies Japan and the Philippines.
Manila and Tokyo are among several Asian countries that accuse China of using intimidation to advance its maritime claims.
Hagel also renewed U.S. criticism of the air defense identification zone set up by China last year that covers islands also claimed by Tokyo.