Last week, the United States accused China of escalating tensions in the South China Sea by potentially deploying surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island. China has not confirmed or denied this claim. When asked if the South China Sea issue would be discussed during Wang's meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying urged Washington not to use military facilities on the islands as an excuse to create problems. Hua emphasized that the South China Sea dispute should not involve the United States. US State Department spokesperson Mark Toner stated that the US would urge China to deescalate and cease militarization in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic solution to settle territorial disputes peacefully. Wang is scheduled to meet with Kerry on Tuesday to discuss various topics, including the international response to North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch, cyber security, and climate change, according to Toner. China is hoping that the US will uphold its commitment to remain neutral in the dispute and refrain from escalating the issue and tensions, particularly regarding China's military presence in the area. Hua stated that China's deployment of defensive facilities on its territory is similar to the United States defending Hawaii. She also mentioned that the increased regional tensions are a result of frequent patrols and surveillance by US ships and aircraft in the area in recent years. The primary reason for the militarization of the South China Sea is highlighted here. It is hoped that the United States will not confuse right and wrong or apply double standards. Australia and other countries are being encouraged to carry out "freedom-of-navigation" naval operations within 12 nautical miles of disputed islands in the South China Sea, following the lead of the US. China asserts control over most of the South China Sea, a crucial waterway for global trade worth over $5 trillion annually, while Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan also have competing claims. Beijing has caused concern by engaging in construction and reclamation activities on the islands it occupies, although it claims these actions are primarily for civilian purposes. The state-owned China Southern Power Grid Company is planning to establish a power grid management station in Sansha City, located on Woody Island in the Paracels, which will have access to microgrids in 16 other islands, as stated by China's top regulator of state-owned assets. In the future, the station will have the capability to remotely control power for numerous islands in the area, although the statement did not specify which islands. Wang is set to visit the United States from Tuesday to Thursday. Hua mentioned that the minister will also address North Korea during the visit, reiterating China's opposition to the potential US deployment of an advanced missile defence system following North Korea's recent rocket launch.