China’s President Xi Jinping on Saturday waded into the controversy regarding unimpeded access to the sea lanes of South China Sea, by pointing out that Beijing was committed to ensuring freedom of navigation in these waters.
“Right of passage or flight has never been a problem and will never be a problem, because China needs the freedom of passage in the South China Sea the most,” Mr. Xi said during an hour long address on Saturday at the National University of Singapore.
Without naming the United States, which had last month sent its warship within 12 nautical miles of a reef over which China lays claims, President Xi said that China was seeking a peaceful resolution of disputes with “countries with a direct stake in the issue”. He added that others “from outside the region” were welcome to bear a positive influence on peace and development in Asia. President Xi also pointed out that principle of bilateralism would prevail in settling disputes with China’s neighbours in defining the maritime boundaries of the South China Sea.
President Xi’s agenda during his visit to the city-state was defined by his historic meeting with Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou. A statement by the Foreign Ministry of Singapore said “Singapore was glad to facilitate the historic meeting. ”
