US snub linked to arms sale

Meeting with defense head was labeled 'inconvenient'

BEIJING - China's rejection on a proposed visit by the United States defense secretary, which shocked the Pentagon on Tuesday, is aimed at Washington's reluctance to adjust its tone on its disputed arms sale to Taiwan, Chinese experts said.

It has been five months since Beijing announced it would curtail military contacts, including high-level visits with the US, after the Obama administration notified the US Congress of a $6.4-billion arms sale to Taiwan.