Code of conduct key to South China Sea

China was justified in expressing its serious concern and indignation on Tuesday over the Chairman's Statement at the 26th ASEAN Summit which said, "we share the serious concerns expressed by some leaders on the land reclamation being undertaken in the South China Sea".

China's construction and maintenance works on some islands and reefs in the Nansha Islands fall within its sovereignty. The works are to improve the working and living conditions of its personnel stationed on those islands.

There is no problem with overflights or freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.