The United States will not be seeing action in China's fleet review as it declined the Chinese invitation reportedly because its major ally, Japan, was not invited.

US officials said they will not send a warship to join the parade of warships this month marking the 65th anniversary of the Chinese Navy.

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The US snub came on the heels of the long standing icy relationship between China and Japan over territorial disputes.

The flat rejection was made ahead of US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's visit to China and Japan this month.  Hagel is currently in Hawaii for a forum of defense ministers from the Asean region.

Although the United States will not be joining China's fleet review, it will participate in the naval symposium and watch the parade. Japan, who was not invited to the fleet review, will join the naval symposium as well.

The fleet review is basically a parade of warships from different countries as part of the activities of Western Pacific Naval Symposium being held in Qingdao.

Secretary Hagel said that amid its commitment to ensure Japan's security, the US is seeking a better relationship with China.

Hagel expressed alarm over China's military posturing against its neighbors in the South China Sea. He told the region's defense ministers that all those involved in the dispute should settle their concerns amicably.

"I told the ministers that the United States is increasingly concerned about the instability arising from the territorial disputes in the South China Sea," Hagel said at a news conference. Hagel reminded those involved to not resort to violence and intimidation in resolving the dispute.

US officials have accused China of harassment for blocking the supply boats of the Philippines at the Thomas Shoal Island being fought over by the two countries.

They said that China should observe international laws and refrain from initiating violent threats.

Hagel said his impending visit to China will include closed-door meetings and talks with "friends" in an effort to de-escalate the rising tension in the South China Sea.