Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Admiral Wu Shengli, the Commander of the Chinese Navy, has held talks in Beijing with the US Chief of Naval Operations John Richardson, amid tensions in the South China Sea.

Wu said the meeting showed China and the United States were both concerned about maritime security, and the timing of Richardson's visit was very important. He said China will not sacrifice sovereignty in South China Sea and will not compromise on the issue. He stressed that China will not halt the construction of islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

Neither will China leave outcroppings under construction half finished. John Richardson is also scheduled to visit China's North Sea Fleet and Navy Submarine Academy in Qingdao, Shandong Province.