China Doesn't Accept Acts Violating Its sovereignty: FM Spokesperson

China will not accept any act under the disguise of freedom of navigation that violates its sovereignty and damages its security interests, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said in Beijing on Friday. When asked about the South China Sea issue during a regular press conference, Hong cited what President Xi has said on Thursday during his latest talks with U.S. President Barack Obama. "President Xi Jinping pointed out that China is determined to defend its sovereignty and related rights in the South China Sea, is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region, and insists on solving the disputes peacefully through direct negotiations with relevant claimants. China respects and safeguards the freedom of navigation and overflight that other countries are entitled to under international law, while it will not accept any act violating China's sovereignty and damaging its security interests under the disguise of freedom of navigation. China hopes that the United States will abide by its commitment not to take sides on the sovereignty and territorial rows in the South China Sea and play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability," Hong said. Asked whether China will establish an air defense identification zone over the South China Sea, Hong said China has repeatedly reiterated its stance. "There is no relationship between the establishment of an ADIZ and the disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. It's China's sovereignty to set up an ADIZ," said Hong. He continued, "Whether China will set up an ADIZ over the South China Sea in the future depends on whether its air security is threatened, how much it is threatened and other factors. As I have just said, currently the situation in the South China Sea is stable on the whole. We hope that countries outside the region will support the efforts made by China and ASEAN countries to maintain peace in the South China Sea." As for a U.S. official's question on the legitimacy of China's ADIZ establishment, Hong noted that the United States is actually the first country in the world to set up such zones. "An official from the U.S. Defense Department claimed recently that there is no basis in international law for China to set up an ADIZ. Therefore we need to point out that China is not the first country to set up an ADIZ. It is the United States instead. We would like to ask what is the basis in international law for the United States to set up an ADIZ?" Hong asked during the press conference. "We hope that the military cooperation between relevant countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, not the other way around," said Hong. He also answered a question about when journalists will be allowed to visit the facilities that China is building on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea. Hong said China will consider inviting journalists to visit the islands and reefs at a proper time, just as Foreign Minister Wang Yi has promised at a press conference held during China's "two sessions" this year. More on: http://www.cctvplus.tv/NewJsp/news.js... Subscribe us on Youtube:    / @cctvvideonewsagency   CCTV+ official website: http://newscontent.cctv.com/ LinkedIn:   / cctv-news-content   Facebook:   / 756877521031964   Twitter:   / newscontentplus