A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman on Sunday said the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea has never been a problem.
China respects and supports such freedom enjoyed by all countries in accordance with international law, and has made great efforts in safeguarding the freedom with other countries in the region, Hua Chunying said in a press release.
She made the remarks in response to reports of some worries over the "freedom of navigation and overflight" in the South China Sea, expressed during the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Hua called the so-called problem of the navigation and overflight freedom a "pseudo-proposition" because there has never been a problem.
She said that the real intention of certain countries to hype up the topic is to sow dissension among countries in the region and create an excuse for political and military engagement in the South China Sea issue.
Safeguarding the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea is not only the requirement of international law, but also in line with China's fundamental interests, she said, adding that China will unswervingly ensure it.
"We hope those certain countries will stop disturbing regional safety and stability in the name of safeguarding the right of the navigation freedom," Hua said.
