China's actions in sea disputes straining U.S. ties - U.S. official

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China's actions in maritime disputes with its neighbours in the South China Sea are straining U.S.-China relations and raise questions on whether Washington can work together with Beijing in Asia and on bilateral issues, a senior U.S. official said on Thursday.

Washington is in close contact with the Vietnamese government on "how most effectively to manage" Hanoi's standoff with Beijing after China towed an oil rig into seas claimed by both countries, the official told Reuters.