Beijing has called on Washington to stop “pointing fingers” at China over the Asian country’s territorial claims on the South China Sea islands.

On Thursday, Wu Xi, the deputy chief of mission at the Chinese embassy in Washington, said that only “real dialogue” can settle the territorial disputes in the volatile region.

"Resorting to microphone diplomacy, or pointing fingers at each other, will not solve any problems," Wu stated during a meeting in the US Congress, stressing, “The right choice is to recognize our differences, respect each other and engage in real dialogue."

Wu also expressed hope that the recent US visit by a high-ranking Chinese military official could help the two countries bridge their widening gaps, noting, "We need to address our differences in a proper way."

On Thursday, General Fan Changlong, the vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission of People's Liberation Army, met with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

During the meeting, Carter called on China to put an end to its plans to construct artificial islands in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

"Carter reiterated US concerns on the South China Sea and called on China and all claimants to implement a lasting halt on land reclamation, cease further militarization and pursue a peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in accordance with international law," read the Pentagon’s statement on the bilateral meeting.

The two sides also “exchanged views on key issues of mutual concern including military-to-military relations, regional security, and maritime issues,” the statement added.

Reports also said that the officials did not attend a joint press conference after the meeting, a move allegedly made at China’s request.

"The Chinese did request that there not be a lot of media attention around this trip," Pentagon Spokesman Colonel Steven Warren pointed out.

Washington has repeatedly accused Beijing of militarizing the restive region by pursing a massive “land reclamation” program in the Spratly archipelago of the South China Sea.

Beijing strongly denies the allegation, saying that it is trying to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the South China Sea and that the US military presence is to blame for the increasing tension in the region.

FNR/NN/HMV