China expected to send 'clear message' over South China Sea

On Wednesday, China expressed "serious concern" over the US plan and demanded that Washington issue an immediate clarification.

"The Pentagon plan reflects Washington's growing concern and uneasiness in recent years over Beijing's growth," said Li Haidong, a professor of US studies at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU).

The US claims that China has offended its core interest - freedom of navigation - in the South China Sea, despite China’s repeated assuring that freedom of navigation will be fully guaranteed, he said.

Tao Wenzhao, a senior research fellow from the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China should make it more clear during the weekend talks that China will never change its stance over the issue because of anything the US does.

Fu Mengzi, vice-president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said Kerry's visit itself will help to ensure that the current confrontation and misunderstanding will not escalate.

He suggested both sides take a mild attitude and find the solution through communication, he said.

Experts also said that Beijing and Washington share more areas of cooperation than disagreements in the South China Sea and other areas.

Li, the expert with CFAU, said leaders of the two countries have reached high consensus over bilateral cooperation, and disputes on the South China Sea should not affect the stable relationship.

"Both sides should have constructive discussions instead of pressing the other side," he said.