China and the United States are trying to avoid war and making an effort to building an alliance, albeit awkward. However, the relationship between the two superpowers is still filled with tension as US and Chinese officials are set to meet in Washington next week for high-level talks.

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China has been on a roll building man-made islands in the South China Sea, and this week Beijing officials announced that construction is near over.

On Tuesday Spokesperson Lu Kang from the Chinese foreign ministry issued a statement saying some of their work would be "completed" soon.

US officials are not buying the statement though, since the timing of the announcement is too good, not accidental, according to BBC.

The conference in Washington next week between Chinese and American officials is the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and the issue on the South China Sea dispute is sure to be tackled. In Sept, the subject would also likely be brought up as Chinese President Xi Jinping of China is headed to Washington.

According to the Americans, the artificial islands built by China along the South China Sea includes more than 2,000 acres, and they have already claimed the regions as their own.

On Thursday, the US said there would not be any "papering over" of the dispute between the two countries as the discussion on financial and political strategy is set to take place next week in Washington, reported Reuters.

Meanwhile, apart from saying that the region is their property, Chinese officials say the islands were built for humanitarian reasons such as for the rescue of people lost at sea. Other military purposes weren't fully disclosed.

The US, together with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries in the region are reportedly upset over the construction. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said the US will continue using the South China Sea for warships and aircraft despite China's territorial claims.

As a global superpower, the United States aims to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea by ensuring freedom of commercial navigation and military activities in the disputed waters. Because of China's determination to strengthen on the territory, the US views this as a threat to the balance of power, according to The Diplomat.

TagsChina-US War, US, war, alliance