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Top Chinese diplomat visits Vietnam amid tensions Top Chinese diplomat visits Vietnam amid tensions
(about 1 hour later)
China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi is in Vietnam for talks aimed at easing tension over territorial disputes.China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi is in Vietnam for talks aimed at easing tension over territorial disputes.
China's foreign ministry said Beijing hoped to have a "frank and deep exchange of opinions".China's foreign ministry said Beijing hoped to have a "frank and deep exchange of opinions".
Last month, China moved an oil rig to waters deep into territory claimed by both countries off the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.Last month, China moved an oil rig to waters deep into territory claimed by both countries off the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
Vietnam reacted angrily, and anti-China riots and attacks on factories left several people dead.Vietnam reacted angrily, and anti-China riots and attacks on factories left several people dead.
Many of the factories were in fact Taiwanese owned.Many of the factories were in fact Taiwanese owned.
In response, China pulled many of its citizens out of Vietnam, and trade between the two countries has suffered badly.In response, China pulled many of its citizens out of Vietnam, and trade between the two countries has suffered badly.
Since then, Chinese and Vietnamese boats have been squaring off in waters near the rig, with a Vietnam boat sinking after it collided with a Chinese ship in late May.Since then, Chinese and Vietnamese boats have been squaring off in waters near the rig, with a Vietnam boat sinking after it collided with a Chinese ship in late May.
Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh said the oil rig would be discussed during talks with Mr Yang.Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh said the oil rig would be discussed during talks with Mr Yang.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement that she hoped Vietnam could "focus on the big picture".Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement that she hoped Vietnam could "focus on the big picture".
Mr Yang posed for pictures with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Binh Min before starting a round of meetings.
Mr Yang's visit is the highest-level direct contact since the oil rig was moved on 2 May.Mr Yang's visit is the highest-level direct contact since the oil rig was moved on 2 May.
China has said the rig will remain in its present location until August.China has said the rig will remain in its present location until August.
Both countries have also taken the dispute to the United Nations, and have submitted dossiers on their claims to UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.Both countries have also taken the dispute to the United Nations, and have submitted dossiers on their claims to UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.
Beijing had accused Vietnam of "provocations" in the South China Sea, claiming its ships had been rammed more than 1,400 times by Vietnamese vessels.Beijing had accused Vietnam of "provocations" in the South China Sea, claiming its ships had been rammed more than 1,400 times by Vietnamese vessels.
Beijing has also in recent weeks called Vietnam's claims to the Paracel Islands "absurd and laughable".Beijing has also in recent weeks called Vietnam's claims to the Paracel Islands "absurd and laughable".
But China is also going ahead with its own plans to boost its presence in the disputed area.But China is also going ahead with its own plans to boost its presence in the disputed area.
Over the weekend Beijing announced it will build a school in the Paracel Islands.Over the weekend Beijing announced it will build a school in the Paracel Islands.