The minority leader in the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi on Thursday set out on a week-long visit to China along with seven Democrat lawmakers. The trip, which is aimed at expanding collaboration between the U.S. and China in key areas, comes at a time that both nations are embroiled in a heated dispute over the South China Sea.

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A statement from Pelosi (D-CA) said the delegation would engage China in talks on the climate crisis, human rights issues, as well as cyber threats and other national security interests. The delegation includes Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern, co-chair of a Congressional human rights commission, as well as California Congressman Ted W. Lieu, who has Taiwanese heritage and was born in Taipei.

While the South China Sea dispute has not been included in the agenda for the talks between Pelosi's delegation and Chinese officials, the issue will doubtless be an elephant in the room. A statement from McGovern said "In today's global world, it is more important than ever for the United States to work with our international partners to tackle the challenges we face."

Before Pelosi and the other lawmakers left the U.S., Pentagon chief Ash Carter visited an American aircraft carrier in the South China Sea along with Malaysia's Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

Carter told the press aboard the USS Roosevelt aircraft carrier, which was sailing past the disputed maritime territory, that his presence in the waters is a symbol of the importance of Asia-Pacific to the U.S., and the American government's commitment to ensuring peace reigns in the region.

Later in the day, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying called for the U.S. to be "more candid and honest about its actions and intentions."

According to Hua, China respects all freedom of navigation patrols as per international laws. "What we are against is the attempt to militarize the South China Sea and even challenge and threaten other countries' sovereignty and security interests under the name of navigation freedom," she added.

Since the USS Lassen warship patrolled within 12 nautical miles of China's settlement on Subi Reef last week, officials in the People's Republic have sounded several warnings to the U.S. Seemingly unfazed by these admonition, U.S. officials have announced plans for similar patrols in the future.

Tagsnancy pelosi, Jim McGovern, Ted W. Lieu, U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi China, Ash Carter, USS Roosevelt, USS Lassen