Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday urged the United States to “play a constructive role” in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with his US counterpart Barack Obama in Hangzhou on the eve of a G20 summit, Xinhua news agency reported.

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Xi said China will continue to unswervingly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.

In the meantime, China will stick to peaceful settlement of disputes through consultation and negotiation with parties directly concerned, and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea along with ASEAN member states, Xi said.