China's President Tells Obama to Steer Clear of Spratlys During US Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned against attempts to violate his country's sovereignty and undermine its national interests under the pretext of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, according to Xinhua.

China will not tolerate actions aimed at violating its sovereignty and breaching its security interests under the pretext of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, the Chinese state news agency Xinhua quoted the country's President Xi Jinping as saying.

He made the remarks during his meeting with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington on Thursday.

Xi said that China stands for peace and stability in the South China Sea and that all disputes on the matter should be resolved by peaceful means through negotiations.

Chinese fishing vessel sails by Fiery Cross Reef, background, also known as Yongshu Reef by the Chinese, of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea

© AP Photo / Xinhua, Wang Cunfu, File

"China respects and protects the freedom of air and maritime navigation of all countries, based on international law. At the same time, Beijing will not accept any action that damages China's state sovereignty and national interests under the pretext of freedom of navigation," he pointed out.

Xi also expressed hope that the United States will abide by its commitment not to take sides in the South China Sea dispute and will play a constructive role in ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Overall, China claims over 80 percent of the South China Sea as its own. The United States has repeatedly warned that it does not recognize Chinese claims of sovereignty over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Countries located in the South China Sea area, including Brunei, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, have expressed competing claims to the disputed Spratly Islands.

The United States has conducted two "freedom of navigation" operations in the South China Sea since October 2015. Last month, the Philippines agreed to give US forces access to several military bases, some of which are close to the disputed territories.