The US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel met his Chinese counterpart, Chang Wanquan, on Tuesday. Both men reportedly aired their differences over issues including territorial disputes between Beijing and its neighbours.
Fan Changlong, the vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, lashed out at Mr Hagel at a press conference, saying China was “dissatisfied” with his remarks made in Japan.
In Tokyo, Mr Hagel addressed regional territorial disputes, saying Chinese authorities should have “respect for their neighbours”.