Thanks to the joint efforts of countries in the region, the situation in the South China Sea has gradually cooled down, which is in the interest of all parties. The South China Sea has long been peaceful and stable on the whole, and the freedom of navigation has never been a problem. China respects and upholds the freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed by all countries under international law in the South China Sea, but firmly opposes the attempt of relevant countries to flex their muscles there and challenge and threaten China's sovereignty and security under the pretext of upholding the "freedom of navigation and overflight". China and ASEAN countries have agreed on the framework of a "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea" (COC), laying a solid foundation for future COC consultation. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to continue to facilitate the consultation following the principle of mutual respect and consensus on the basis of full and effective implementation of the Declaration onthe Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and strive for an early conclusion of COC without external disruption. With our joint efforts, the South China Sea will be a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

当前，在地区国家共同努力下，南海形势逐渐趋稳降温，这对各方都是好事。长期以来，南海局势总体上和平、稳定，南海航行自由不存在任何问题。中国一贯尊重和维护各国依国际法在南海享有的航行和飞越自由，但坚决反对有关国家打着维护"航行和飞越自由"的旗号在南海地区炫耀武力，挑战和威胁中国的主权和安全。中国和东盟国家已就"南海行为准则"框架达成一致，为下一步"准则"磋商奠定了坚实基础。中方愿与东盟国家共同努力，继续在全面有效落实《南海各方行为宣言》基础上，秉持相互尊重、协商一致的原则推进磋商，力争在不受外界干扰的前提下早日达成"准则"，共同把南海建设成和平之海、友谊之海、合作之海。

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends,

女士们，先生们，朋友们，

Last month, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing was a big success. In his important speeches at the Forum, President Xi Jinping pointed out that we should build the Belt and Road into a road for peace, a road of prosperity, opening-up and innovation, and a road connecting different civilizations. He said that China is ready to share its practices of development with other countries, but it has no intention to interfere in other countries' internal affairs, export its own social system and model of development, or impose its own will on others. In pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, China will not resort to outdated geopolitical maneuvering and have no intention to form a small group detrimental to stability. President Xi also emphasized the need to follow the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits and make policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity a shared goal. President Xi announced that China will scale up financing support for the Belt and Road Initiative. His speeches have charted the course for international cooperation on the Initiative from a strategic and long-term perspective.

上个月，"一带一路"国际合作高峰论坛在北京成功举办，习近平主席在论坛上发表重要演讲，指出要将"一带一路"建成和平、繁荣、开放、创新、文明之路，表示中国愿同世界各国分享发展经验，但不会干涉他国内政，不会输出社会制度和发展模式，更不会强加于人，"一带一路"建设不会重复地缘博弈的老套路，不会形成破坏稳定的小集团。习主席强调，要牢牢坚持共商、共建、共享原则，让政策沟通、设施联通、贸易畅通、资金融通、民心相通成为共同努力的目标。习主席宣布中国将加大对"一带一路"建设的资金支持。习主席的讲话从战略和长远视角为"一带一路"建设国际合作指明了方向。

Like many other great causes in the world, the Belt and Road Initiative will inevitably run into various difficulties and challenges. But I am convinced that as an important international public good, the Belt and Road Initiative will further display its role as time goes by.

同世界上许多伟大的事业一样，"一带一路"建设肯定会遇到这样或那样的困难和挑战，但我相信，"一带一路"这一重要国际公共产品的作用，将会随着时间的推移进一步显现。

Thank you.

谢谢大家！