Clinton, Chinese minister meet amid maritime spats

September 27, 2012 at 11:45a.m.

NEW YORK (AP) — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is meeting China’s top diplomat amid tense disputes between Beijing and Asian neighbors.

Clinton’s talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (yahng jay-uh-CHUR’) were taking place today before of a conference of Southeast Asian nations.

The dispute is over control of the resource-rich South China Sea. China is also locked in a maritime spat with Japan over a cluster of islands.

Speaking in New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel, Clinton told Yang that she was delighted to have the opportunity to “exchange views” with him.