Chinese President Xi: China’s Actions in the South China Sea Are Not Expansionism

File photo: Chinese fleet on the South China Sea

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the actions China has taken in the South China Sea are legitimate reactions to safeguard its territorial sovereignty. “Expansionism refers to laying claims to land outside one’s own territory. China has never done anything like that, so such doubts or accusations are unwarranted.”

He made the remarks as conducting a written interview with Reuters on Sunday, in advance of his state visit to Britain.

He also stressed that the islands and reefs in the South China Sea are Chinese territory since ancient times. “They are left to us by our ancestors. The Chinese people will not allow anyone to infringe on China’s sovereignty and related rights and interests in the South China Sea.”

Responding to accusations that China’s activities in the South China Sea could be worsening the security situation in the region, Xi said that the situation in the South China Sea has on the whole been stable with the joint efforts of all parties. The South China Sea provides important waterways for China's international commercial exchanges. China needs peace, security and stability in the South China Sea more than any other country. China would not want any turbulence there, still less would it be the party to stir up chaos.

China, Xi said, is working hard to take forward consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea within the framework of fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. China will continue to work with its neighbors in the South China Sea to manage disputes through institutionalized dialogue, peacefully resolve disputes through negotiation and consultation, actively explore win-win results through cooperation and joint development, and safeguard the freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed by countries in accordance with international law. We will together endeavor to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. And the efforts of countries in the region to maintain peace and stability there deserve more respect.

“To follow the path of peaceful development serves China’s fundamental interests, and is also what regional countries and peoples expect from us. It is a strategic choice made by China that has not changed and will not change.” Xi pointed out that for many years, China’s active efforts for win-win cooperation with its neighbors have brought real benefits to countries and peoples in the region.

Under the new circumstances, Xi noted that China will strive to deliver more benefits of its development to neighboring countries and peoples. China will continue to pursue friendship and partnership with its neighbors, build a harmonious, secure and prosperous neighborhood and follow through on its policy of amity, sincerity, mutual-benefit and inclusiveness towards its neighbors.