地区发展繁荣离不开南海的和平稳定。中方始终致力于遵守包括《联合国海洋法公约》在内的国际法，始终恪守《南海各方行为宣言》，坚持同当事国通过对话协商妥处分歧，积极开展海上务实合作。南海的航行和飞越自由不存在任何问题。当前，中国和东盟国家正积极推进“南海行为准则”磋商，争取早日达成。我想强调，中国在南海的领土主权和海洋权益具有充分的历史和法理依据。中方采取必要措施，维护自身主权权益，合理合法。有关域外国家应当尊重和支持中国与地区国家共同维护南海和平稳定的努力，切实为地区和平稳定发挥建设性作用。

Peace and stability in the South China Sea is critical to the development and prosperity of our region. China has all along committed itself to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), consistently honored the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), opted for dialogue and consultation with countries directly concerned in properly handling differences, and actively engaged in practical maritime cooperation. There are no obstacles whatsoever to freedom of navigation or overflight in the South China Sea. At present, China and ASEAN countries are actively advancing consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) and will strive for its early conclusion. I wish to underscore that China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea have solid historical and legal grounds. It is legitimate and lawful for China to take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereign rights and interests. Relevant countries outside the region should respect and support the joint efforts of China and regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and truly play a constructive role for peace and stability in the region.

谢谢大家！

Thank you.