Obama cautioned by the China against undermining ‘national security’ interests

China has cautioned the US that it will secure its sovereignty in the disputed waters of the South China Sea and denies efforts to use international laws and freedom of navigation as a pretext to undermine its national security interests.

In a meeting with US President Barack Obama at the 4^th Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping said that while he considers in the peaceful resolution of disputes through direct talks, China will take steps to secure its national interests and sovereignty.

“China will firmly protect the sovereignty and regarded rights in the South China Sea,” Xi stated in a meeting.”

While appreciating that Beijing “respects and protects the freedom of navigation and overflight other countries are entitled to under international law,” Xi emphasized that China will “not agree to any freedom of navigation as an excuse to undermine China’s sovereignty and national security interests.”