President Xi's remarks on South China Sea issue

The ruling in the arbitration case the Philippines unilaterally initiated against China is to be announced on July 12, 2016. China insists the tribunal appointed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has no jurisdiction over the issue because it concerns territory and security issues. Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to safeguard national interests at various occasions. Below are some highlights of Xi's remarks on the South China Sea issue.

President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China in Beijing, on July 1, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

July 1, 2016

The Chinese people do not believe in fallacy nor are we afraid of evil forces. Chinese people do not make trouble, but we are not cowards when involved in trouble. No foreign country should expect us to swallow the bitter fruit of damage to our sovereignty, security and development interests.

China will not resort to the threat of force at will, nor will it flaunt its military power on others' doorsteps at the drop of a hat. Flaunting power everywhere will not reflect strength nor will it scare anyone.

A keynote speech to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China in Beijing

President Xi Jinping speaks at the opening ceremony of the fifth foreign ministers' meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Beijing on April 28, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

April 28, 2016

China and ASEAN countries commit to a full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and negotiations on the code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC). China is willing to work with coastal states of the South China Sea to manage disputes through dialogue mechanism and peacefully resolve the disputes through negotiations and consultations.

Speech at the opening ceremony of the fifth foreign ministers' meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Beijing

File photo shows scenery of an island in the South China Sea, on Dec 21, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

October 18, 2015

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. 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.

Responds to Reuters interview ahead of Xi's UK state visit

President Xi Jinping meets with US President Barack Obama in Washington DC on Sept 25, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

September 25, 2015

The construction activities on the Nansha islands and reefs do not affect or target any other countries, nor with military purpose. The South China Sea has remained stable overall, thanks to the joint efforts of China and coastal states of the South China Sea. Freedom of navigation and aviation has never been a problem and will never be a problem in the future, because first of all China is the one who most needs smooth navigation.

Remarks at a media interview during the US state visit in Washington DC

File photo shows fishing boats alongside the seashore of South China Sea on May 16, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

September 22, 2015

China's development and maintenance of facilities on some of our garrisoned islands and reefs in the Nansha Islands does not impact on or target any other country, and it should not be over interpreted. These facilities have been built to improve the working and living conditions of the Chinese personnel on the maritime features, provide international public goods and services, and better uphold navigation freedom and safety in the South China Sea.

Responds to Wall Street Journal written interview ahead of Xi's US state visit