U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis: Praises China On Its Help With North Korea, Condemns China's Actions In The South China Sea

U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis speaks at the 16th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore June 3, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su

Reuters: Mattis praises China's efforts on North Korea, dials up pressure on South China Sea

The United States is encouraged by China's efforts to restrain North Korea but Washington will not accept Beijing's militarization of islands in the South China Sea, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday.

The comments by Mattis, during the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, show how U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is looking to balance working with China to restrain North Korea's advancing missile and nuclear programs while dealing with Beijing's activities in the South China Sea.

U.S. allies have been worried by Trump's actively courting Chinese President Xi Jinping to restrain North Korea, fearing Washington might allow China a more free rein elsewhere in the region.

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More News On Remarks From U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis On China's Help On North Korea And China's Militarization Of The South China Sea

Defense Secretary Mattis turns up heat on North Korea and China -- CBS/AP
Mattis reassures allies as US turns to China on N. Korea -- AFP
Defense Secretary Mattis welcomes Beijing's help on North Korea, prods on South China Sea -- CNBC
Defence summit: Mattis criticises China over islands construction -- The Australian/AFP
US warns Beijing on South China Sea islands -- BBC
Mattis Says China’s Militarization of Man-Made Islands Unacceptable -- VOA
Mattis says US against 'coercive' Chinese moves in South China Sea -- DW
In Asia, Mattis addresses concerns about North Korea and China — and Trump’s agenda -- Washington Post
US defense chief: 'Americans will do the right thing' in Pacific -- CNN