Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama in a bilateral meeting on the eve of G20 Summit in Hangzhou.

Xi told Obama that the US should play a constructive role in South China Sea dispute. He asked the United States to play a positive role in maintaining peace and stability in the disputed territory.

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He also made it clear that Beijing would continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and interests in the contested waters.Xi said that China remains committed for peaceful settlement of the dispute.

"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," the Chinese leader said, Xinhua reported.

U.S. President Barack Obama, on the other hand, reiterated his country's stance on the South China Sea issue. Obama urged his Chinese counterpart to respect an international tribunal's ruling on Beijing's territorial dispute with the Philippines over the South China Sea. Obama told Xi that China, as a signatory to UNCLOS, must abide by its obligations under the international treaty.

"The President underscored the United States' unwavering commitment to the security of its treaty allies, and noted that the strength of those alliance relationships has contributed to the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region," a White House statement said.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration, in July, ruled against China in favor of Philippines in a long-standing territorial dispute over the South China Sea. Beijing has said that it does not recognize the verdict.

Tagschina, US, South China Sea Dispute, Barack Obama, Xi Jinping