The Chinese government is staying firm on protecting its sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea.

According to China Daily, China will not allow any activities "in the excuse of free navigation" that will pose risk to national sovereignty and interests.

In light of this, President Xi Jinping emphasized on the importance of managing unresolved disputes in a manner that will not tarnish the relationship between his country and the United States.

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"I would like to reiterate to work together with the US side to establish a new-type relationship of big powers, achieve the goal of no conflicts or confrontations, respect with each other, cooperate for win-win results, which is the priority of China's foreign policy," the Chinese leader declared during a meeting with US President Barack Obama on Thursday on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in Washington.

Apart from the country's stand on the South China Sea concern, Xi further pointed out that respect between China and the US must be maintained despite differences in views and opinions about various issues.

"I expect to enhance communications with President Obama to focus on cooperation, manage disputes, boost mutual trust and push forward the China-US relationship to continue to develop in a healthy and stable direction," he said.

In the meantime, Obama, in a statement released on Friday, urged the Chinese government to resort to peaceful means in term of resolving conflict with neighboring countries relative to the South China Sea issue, according to Reuters.

TagsSouth China Sea, china, US, President Xi Jinping, President Barack Obama