China pledges to end row

CHINA and Vietnam pledged to resolve a row over the strategic South China Sea, state media said yesterday, to ease tensions that prompted accusations of Chinese bullying in the region.

The apparent olive branch between the testy neighbours came as the US and Philippines readied for joint naval exercises in the face of Chinese actions and after the US called for Beijing to help lower the temperature.

Recently, Vietnam carried out live-fire drills and the Philippines ordered the deployment of its naval flagship after accusing China of aggressive actions.