China firmly upholds her sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. (Photo/Xinhua)
China on Saturday opposed US Defense Secretary Ash Carter's remarks that China's island-building activities in the South China Sea are undermining security in the Asia-Pacific region.
"China's construction in the South China Sea is within China's sovereign rights and its activities are lawful, reasonable and justified," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, following Carter's comments on Saturday at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Hua urged the United States to keep its promise of a neutral position on the sovereignty issue and to stop harming regional peace and stability.
The South China Sea is not a US concern, so it should act prudently and respect efforts by countries in the region to maintain peace and stability, Hua said.
China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea have been consistently upheld by successive Chinese governments and established over a long history, with ample historical and legal basis, Hua said, noting that they need not be strengthened through construction in the islands and reefs.
"China's construction activities on the Nansha islands and reefs are entirely within China's sovereignty. They are lawful, justified and reasonable and do not affect or target any particular country," Hua said.
The construction is aimed at strengthening the function of some islands and reefs by providing services, Hua said, adding that aside from meeting necessary defense needs, it is also geared at serving civilian purposes.
Hua reaffirmed that China firmly upholds its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and is opposed to words or actions that encroach on China's sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests or affect regional peace and stability.
