WASHINGTON, April 16 (Xinhua) — The Chinese Ambassador to the United States said Thursday 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 there.”

In a keynote speech to the International Conference on China-U.S. cooperation in global security affairs, organized by National Institute for South China Sea Studies, Ambassador Cui Tiankai elaborated on China’s policy on South China Sea in a comprehensive manner.

Cui said that China’s position on the South China Sea is clear and consistent for decades. “Our position has not changed and will not change. While we are determined to safeguard our sovereign and maritime rights, we also exercise best restraint in handling disputes with others,” he said.

Responding to the criticism of China’s construction activities in the South China Sea, Cui said it “would be totally unfair to ask China to give up its legitimate rights and give in to the unjustifiable demands of certain parties.”

“Let there be no illusion that anyone could impose on China a unilateral ‘status quo’, and let there be no illusion that anyone could repeatedly violate China’s sovereignty without consequences,” the diplomat warned.

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