On the afternoon of November 20, 2012, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council expounded China's position on the regional situation and the South China Sea issue at a close-door session of the East Asia Summit held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Premier Wen pointed out that Asia once suffered terrible afflictions and tribulations in the history and experienced the ravages of World War II and the splitting by the Cold War in modern times. In the early 1990s, the Asian countries, having learned a hard lesson from a painful experience, started to follow the desire of the people to live a life of peace and happiness. The Asian countries were determined to embark on a path of pursuing strength through unity and seeking win-win results through cooperation. ASEAN has played an important leading role in this regard.

Looking around the world, many regions have undergone strife, conflicts and even wars in the past few decades. At this very moment, the flames of war are still raging in some places. In contrast, East Asia maintained peace and stability in general, providing favorable conditions for the development of regional economy. Cambodia, the host country of this summit, is a good example. With the hard work of the Cambodian people in the past 20 years in a peaceful environment, the country takes on a fresh new look.

We are gathering together here at the East Asia Summit to seek for cooperation in the hope to enable more countries to make better use of the opportunities presented by economic development of East Asia. We welcome countries to make more constructive efforts to promote the East Asian cooperation. We respect, cherish and will make good use of the good situation of regional peace, stability and prosperity in East Asia. We do not agree to highlight the territorial and maritime disputes and render a tense atmosphere at this summit.

In response to the statement by the leader of a certain country, Wen said that Huangyan Island is China's inherent territory and there is no dispute over sovereignty. China's action to safeguard sovereignty is legitimate and necessary.

Wen Jiabao said that China's position on the South China Sea issue is clear and consistent. China is a continental country as well as a maritime nation. Therefore, China attaches great importance to the peace and stability in the South China Sea and the freedom and security of navigation in the South China Sea. The freedom and security of navigation in the South China Sea is adequately safeguarded. We hope that the international waterway in the South China Sea will be better utilized with the recovery and development of world economy.

China adheres to the policy of maintaining a friendly relationship with the neighbors and is committed to safeguarding the peace and stability in the South China Sea. We effectively dealt with the emergencies which were not provoked by us. Ten years ago, China and ASEAN member countries signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and reached a series of important principles and consensus. We do not agree to internationalize the South China Sea issue. At this China-ASEAN Summit, China had fruitful discussions with ASEAN countries. We hope that the Declaration could be implemented in an effective and full-fledged manner and consensus could be built in this process so as to create conditions for the launch of discussions on developing a "code of conduct".

We are willing to make concerted efforts with other countries to preserve the hard-won cooperative situation and continue to make unremitting efforts for the lasting peace and prosperity in East Asia.