Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during his meeting with U.S.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China is resolute in defending its sovereignty in the South China Sea, and believes the disputes should be settled peacefully by relevant claimants through direct talks, Xinhua said.

Xi said Beijing “respects and safeguards the freedom of navigation and overflight other countries are entitled to under international law”, the official news agency added.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-china-southchinasea-idUKKCN0WX32G