CRI听力:China Defends Activities in South China Sea

The Chinese Ambassador to the United States has reiterated that China's buildup of its capabilities in the South China Sea provides public goods to all and "serves the interests of maintaining security, stability and freedom of navigation" in the region.

Ambassador Cui Tiankai has elaborated on China's policy on the South China Sea during a keynote speech to the International Conference on China-U.S. cooperation on global security affairs.

The remarks come just after foreign ministers from the Group of Seven issued a statement against construction of China's artificial islands in the South China Sea.

The Chinese diplomat says the facilities there mainly aim to provide shelter and services, such as navigation aid and meteorological observation, for ships of both Chinese and foreign origin.

He defends China's construction of military facilities in the area as purely for defensive purposes.

The envoy notes that China is determined to safeguard its sovereign and maritime rights, but will exercise restraint in handling disputes with others.

Earlier this afternoon, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei echoed the ambassador.

"The construction is conducted within China's sovereign territory, it is reasonable, understandable and legal, and it is not targeting or affecting any other country. We hope other nations can put it into perspective."

China has proposed a "dual-track approach" on the issue of the South China Sea, advocating for disputes to be addressed by concerned countries through friendly consultations and negotiations.