US warns China against escalation of tensions over air zone

“And he indicated to Xi that we are looking to China to take steps as we move forward to lower tensions, to avoid enforcement actions that could lead to crisis, and to establish channels of communication with Japan, but also with their other neighbours to avoid the risk of mistake, miscalculation, accident or escalation,” the official said.  

According to the official, President Xi was equally comprehensive in laying out China's perspective on the zone, on their view of territorial disputes in the region and broader regional tensions.

Xi explained China's thinking on these issues at some length, the official said.

“Both near the beginning and near they came to this issue. But ultimately President Xi took on board what the Vice President laid out, and now, from our perspective, it's up to China. And we'll see how things unfold in the coming days and weeks,” he said.