Kerry Seeks Stronger Relations with China Amid Tensions in Asia

Tensions remain high in East Asia over North Korea's recent nuclear test and territorial disputes with China.  

Secretary of State John Kerry has just concluded a visit to Beijing where he hoped to ease strained relations.

The U.S. Secretary of State and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the South China Sea, North Korea, and other critical issues during Kerry's diplomatic visit.

After arriving last Tuesday, Kerry met Chinese President Xi Jin Ping and other senior officials to discuss North Korea's recent nuclear weapons test. He said there's an urgent need to get China's help to bring North Korea back the negotiating table.

"I agree with my fellow minister, there is a goal in sanctions; it's to get to the negotiations. We must make it clear that is our objective, to negotiate the end to the nuclear program," Kerry explained.

Since Taiwan just had an election, and the new party has won, Kerry called on Taiwan to respect the "One China Policy." He said The United States will continue to monitor the diplomatic relationships between China and Taiwan.

"We remain committed to a One China Policy and we encourage cross-states dialogue for resolution of that issue," Kerry said.

Also, Chinese officials urged The United States to be objective and reasonable about the South China Sea disagreement. Kerry claimed The United States will continue to defend the security interests of American and its allies.

"We talked about the possibility of a diplomatic way forward and foreign minister Wang Yi accepted the idea," he said.

Kerry concluded his trip by calling for joint efforts to fight terrorism. He said security can come to the world if nations join together to combat violent extremism.

"Every country has an interest in fighting back against the violence that is emerging in various parts of the world and we are committed together to cooperate, exchange information and do our best to protect our people as well as resolve some of the crises and disputes in other parts of the world."