2014年CRI 中方不接受南海仲裁 克里访中东斡旋伊拉克危机（在线收听）

中方不接受南海仲裁 克里访中东斡旋伊拉克危机

A senior Chinese diplomat is downplaying any suggestions of international arbitration connected to disputes in the South China Sea.

Vice foreign minister Zhang Yesui has made the comments as part of a World Peace Forum here in Beijing.

The comment follows a formal request by the Philippines for international arbitration on territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The vice foreign minister also says China hopes to see countries involved can focus on the overall interest and return to the path of dialogue and negotiation.

Tensions have been running high in the South China Sea amid disputes among China, Vietnam and the Philippines over the Xisha and Nansha Island chains.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is suggesting change might be needed within the current Iraqi leadership to deal with the Sunni insurgency.

Kerry says the United States would support an inclusive Iraqi leadership, but notes that Washington is not in a position to pick or choose who rules in Baghdad.

He made the remark in Cairo during his current trip to Middle East nations, where he has also met with new Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi among others.

As part of his time in the region, Kerry has also announced the US is set to resume plans to deliver some 650 million U.S. Dollars’ worth of military aid to Egypt.