US denies China 'Cold War' but deep gaps persist

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis (L), Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (2nd L) with Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi (2nd R) and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe (R) for top-level talks in Washington. [Photo: Reuters]

 

The United States on Friday insisted it was not pursuing a new "Cold War" with China, but the Pacific powers could only paper over deep differences during high-level talks.