Asian Security Meeting to Test China, U.S. Approach on Disputes

Differences over the best way to resolve flare-ups in disputed waters off China’s coast will be tested today at a meeting of defense ministers from 18 Asia-Pacific countries in Hanoi.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who described the U.S. as an “enthusiastic participant” in the meeting, said yesterday territorial disputes should be solved through regional talks. China, which last month had run-ins with vessels from Vietnam and Japan in waters more than 1,000 miles apart, prefers one-on-one negotiations.