Mattis specifically called out Beijing's militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea, home to some of the world's busiest sea lanes. "Yet China's policy in the South China Sea stands in stark contrast to the openness our strategy promotes. Tensions in the South China SeaThe South China Sea has been a hot topic of discussion during the summit's opening, amid ongoing attempts by China to assert its dominance in the region. Mattis was not the only leader to address China's island-building and militarizing activities in the South China Sea. China claims its actions in the South China Sea are entirely peaceful and meant to protect its citizens and trading interests.

Source: CNN June 02, 2018 01:15 UTC