US official accuses China of 'grandstanding' in tense bilateral talks

A U.S. official accused Chinese leaders of "grandstanding" during contentious bilateral talks in Alaska Thursday, according to a report.

"The Chinese delegation ... seems to have arrived intent on grandstanding, focused on public theatrics and dramatics over substance," the official, who asked to remain anonymous, told reporters in Anchorage, according to Reuters. "They made that clear by promptly violating protocol."

He added that "exaggerated diplomatic presentations often are aimed at a domestic audience."

The official said the two sides had agreed on two-minute opening statements that ended up going for more than an hour.