‘Solve Sea dispute peacefully’:

Asia

US President Barack Obama called Tuesday for territorial disputes in the South China Sea to be “resolved peacefully” as Vietnam baulks at Chinese actions in the bitterly contested waters.

“Big nations should not bully smaller ones, disputes should be resolved peacefully,” he told an audience in Hanoi, referring to the disputed maritime region.

His remarks won loud applause from more than 2,000 delegates including top Vietnamese leaders.

Washington and Hanoi have been drawn closer together through their mutual concern at Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in the sea.

China claims almost all the South China Sea and has rattled neighbours with a series of reclamation and construction projects — including airstrips — on reefs and islets.

Vietnam and four other countries also have claims to parts of the sea. (AFP)