China announced on Saturday it had reached an agreement with Vietnam to “peacefully resolve maritime disputes” in the South China Sea, the Wall Street Journal reported. However, Vietnamese officials did not comment on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement, which lacked details on how the countries would settle the conflict. Territorial tensions over the South China Sea have simmered for years and recently escalated again after Vietnam accused China of impeding a state-owned oil exploration vessel. China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia all claim to rule waters either in whole or in part. China has insisted that disputes with its neighbors should be handled bilaterally, and Cui Tiankai, vice minister of foreign affairs last week warned the US to stay out of its regional affairs. Anti-Chinese demonstrations continued in Hanoi on Sunday for the fourth straight week.
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