Key points of Xi's remarks on South China Sea in Singapore lecture

President Xi Jinping speaks during the "Forging A Strong Partnership to Enhance Prosperity of Asia" Lecture at the National University of Singapore, Nov 7, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

SINGAPORE - President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at National University of Singapore on Nov 7, 2015.

Below are key points of Xi's remarks on South China Sea:

- South China Sea islands in disputes between China, other claimants have been Chinese territory since ancient times;

- Chinese government shoulders inescapable responsibility to safeguard territorial sovereignty and legitimate maritime rights;

- Freedom of navigation, overflight at South China Sea neither has been nor will be hindered;

- Peace, stability are starting points and objectives of China's South China Sea policy;

- China has ability, confidence in working with ASEAN to maintain South China Sea peace, stability;

- China will stick to peaceful settlement of South China Sea rows although some Chinese islands illegally occupied by others.