尊敬的奈杰尔·因克斯特主任，女士们，先生们：

Mr. Nigel Inkster, Ladies and Gentlemen:

奈杰尔主任，非常感谢您热情洋溢的介绍。

Thank you very much, Nigel, for that kind introduction.

很高兴时隔三年之后再次应邀来到伦敦国际战略研究所。三年前，我应齐普曼所长的邀请在这里就"新时期的中国外交"发表过一次演讲。今天，我要讲的主题还是中国外交，不过这次集中谈一个问题，这就是南海问题。

It is truly a delight to be back again at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) after three years. Back then, I was invited by Dr. John Chipman to deliver a speech about China's Diplomacy in the New Era. Today, my speech is also about China's diplomacy, but I will focus on one issue – the South China Sea.

南海问题的热度最近几个月来不断升温，很多人在关注南海问题，很多媒体也在炒作南海问题，但对于南海问题的真实情况人们却往往不甚清楚，有时甚至存在误解。因此我特意选伦敦国际战略研究所这样一个研究国际政治和安全问题的知名智库，来阐述中国对南海问题的立场和政策,并回答大家的提问。希望通过今天的交流，各位对南海问题能有一个比较全面和准确的了解。

Recently, the South China Sea issue has attracted much attention and media coverage. However, the articles and reporting show that the truth and facts behind the issue remain unclear to most people. Misunderstandings still exist. So I have chosen to speak about this issue at IISS, a prestigious institution that focuses on international security. I will expound on China's position and policy, and then take questions from you. In this way, I hope our interaction today will help you gain a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the issue.

首先，我还是要从中国与南海的历史渊源说起。我们要想客观、公正、理性的看待南海问题，就要追本溯源，从源头上弄清事情的本来面貌。

In order to be objective, impartial and rational on the issue of the South China Sea, one must get to the root of the issue and put it in perspective. So I would like to begin with the history of China and the South China Sea.

南海诸岛自古以来就是中国领土，之所以强调"自古以来"，因为南海诸岛属于中国这一历史事实源远流长，可以用四个"最早"来概括：

The islands and reefs in the South China Sea have been Chinese territory since ancient times. I emphasise ‘ancient times' to highlight the historical facts that put the South China Sea firmly on the map of China. To elaborate on this, let me share with you four "Firsts".