BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Some external powers, through alliance-building and meddling in regional disputes, aim to maintain privileged position in the South China Sea and preserve maritime control for self-serving interests, according to a think tank report issued early this June.

The report, titled "Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China's Actions," was released by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency.

Noting that the South China Sea is a crucial international maritime corridor, the report highlights that the freedom of navigation and overflight in this region, as guaranteed under international law, stands as a fundamental consensus between China and other coastal states.

However, some countries' growing interference through military and diplomatic channels undermines regional stability, it says, stressing that China consistently advocates for resolving differences through bilateral friendly consultations with relevant countries.

This report is part of a series of three reports on the South China Sea issue released by Xinhua Institute.

The other two reports released on Thursday are titled "Incitement, Threats, and Lies -- The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue," and "Historical and Legal Basis of China's Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea." ■