South China Sea is the core interest of China.

China supports freedom of navigation in South China Sea (SCS) given harmless transpassing, but the waters within the Nine Dash Line (NDL) are the territory of China. China protects the right of freedom of navigation better via buiding up light towers at the islands within the NDL. Also, China needs safegaurd the security of these islands and people working on them. Nobody can challenge the right of China within her territory, or direct confront will not be avoided if the core interest of China is touched.