WATCH: Xi Jinping in US insists disputed islands are China's

WASHINGTON — Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at the White House before American President Barack Obama in late September, was firm in his stand that China will not let go of the disputed South China Sea and the features in it.

"Islands in the South China Sea since ancient times are China's territory. We have the right to uphold our own territorial sovereignty," Xi said, despite being urged by Washington to halt large-scale reclamation activities believed to host military bases and facilities.

Watch the Chinese leader speak about the disputed waters and what he proposes should be done:

— Efigenio Toledo IV and Camille Diola