造价工程师考试视频:Robert Gates warns of possible clashes in the South China Sea

"Without rules of the road,without agreed approaches to deal with these problems, then there willbe clashes. I think that serves nobody's interest," Gates said at anannual Asia security meeting hosted by the International Institute forStrategic Studies.

Gates statement comes amid tensions as Chinastakes claims on sovereignty in the South China Sea and other nationsdisputes these claims.

Despite an economic downturn and budgetcuts, the United States will keep its commitments and "robust militaryengagement" in Asia, Gates said.

Gates told the audience ofdefense ministers and military leaders that there has been significantgrowth in U.S. engagement in Asia in recent years, "even at a time ofeconomic distress at home and two major military campaigns ongoing inIraq and Afghanistan."

The U.S. record in Asia shows,"irrespective of the tough times the U.S. faces today, or the toughchoices we confront in the years to come, that America's interests as aPacific nation -- as a country that conducts much of its trade in theregion -- will endure," Gates said.

Gates - who met with China'sDefense Minister Gen. Lian Guanglie on Friday -- said the U.S wasworking with China "to build a positive, cooperative and comprehensiverelationship."

He called military-to-military ties with China "a priority" and said he'd seen steady improvement in recent months.

Continuedcooperation and regional military exercises will continue to play avital role in regional stability, Gates said in his speech.

Andwhile continuing to modernize base agreements with allies, Gates said,"We've taken a number of steps toward establishing a defense postureacross the Asia Pacific that is more geographically distributed,operationally resilient and politically sustainable."

Gates talked about changes he has seen during his tenure as defense secretary.

"Oneof the most striking -- and surprising -- changes I've observedduring my travels to Asia is the widespread desire across the region forstronger military-to-military relationships with the United States --much more so than during my last time in government 20 years ago," Gatessaid.

Gates retires at the end of the month.