Biden says U.S. objects to China defense move

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's visit to China has been dominated by discussions about Beijing's new air defence zone.

China's wants to secure an area two-thirds the size of Britain. It includes islands which are also claimed by Japan.

Biden says he had expressed Washington's objection to such a move.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, SAYING:

"But China's recent and sudden announcement of the establishment of a new air defence identification zone has, to state the obvious, caused significant apprehension in the region. And I was very direct about our firm position and our expectations in my conversations with President Xi."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, SAYING:

"The United States has a profound stake in what happens here. Because we need and we are, and we'll remain a Pacific power diplomatically, economically, and militarily. That's just a statement of fact."

China's Foreign Ministry said Biden was tol