China attaches great importance to the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing on Friday.
Hong made the remarks in response to a question regarding recent reports that border patrol police in south China's island province of Hainan have been given the power to board and check ships that illegally enter its waters.
China conducts marine management in accordance with international law and national law and safeguards its territorial sovereignty and rights over the South China Sea, the spokesman said.
Read the full story at Want China Times