A top U.S. security official will visit China in a bid to pacify Beijing amid tensions over South China Sea dispute.

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration recently ruled that there is no legal basis to Beijing's claims to historical rights in the disputed waters. China has strongly opposed the verdict while maintaining that it has 'indisputable sovereignty' over the contested waters.

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U.S. national security adviser Susan Rice will make a four-day trip - from July 24 to 27 - to China. Rice's visit is aimed at preparing the groundwork for President Barack Obama's upcoming China visit, the White House said in a statement. Obama will visit China for the G20 Summit in Hangzhou in September month.

White House's National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price, in the statement, revealed that Rice would visit Chinese capital Beijing and Shanghai during her trip.

"In Beijing, Rice will meet with senior Chinese government officials, including State Councilor Yang Jiechi to consult on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues in advance of Obama's travel to China in September for the G20 leaders' summit," Price said. The U.S. security adviser is also expected to meet business leaders in Shanghai during her fourth visit to China.

"Throughout her visit, Ambassador Rice will underscore the United States' commitment to expanding practical cooperation and constructively managing differences with China," the statement said.

TagsUS, china, South China Sea, Permanent Court of Arbitration, susan rice