The South China Sea is a sensitive issue that is not on the formal agenda for inaugural talks between defence ministers from Asia and the United States, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

"We haven't discussed it yet and I believe South China Sea problems are a little bit sensitive not only for Vietnam but also in some other neighbouring countries," the defence minister told reporters.

He was speaking on the sidelines of talks by defence ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ahead of wider Asean-led defence talks that include China on Tuesday.

"It really is not on the agenda. If the matter arises over the South China Sea I reckon our stand is to work together" and have "non-emotional dialogue," he said.

The talks are being led by the current Asean chair Vietnam.

Vietnam and China are engaged in a long-running dispute over control of the Paracels and a more southerly archipelago, the Spratlys, both of which are in the South China Sea.

Since last year Vietnam has reported numerous cases of fishing boats and equipment being seized by China in the disputed waters.

Taiwan also claims the Paracels and has a claim to the Spratlys, as do Asean members the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

At a meeting of regional foreign ministers in July, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said resolving disputes over the South China Sea is "pivotal" to regional stability.

Other delegates also raised the matter, sparking anger from China, diplomats said.

They said there has been Chinese pressure for this week's meeting to avoid discussion of the South China Sea.

- AFP