China has rejected U.S. criticisms and calls for them to end reclamation work in the South China Sea.
The country claims that it was simply exercising its sovereignty while helping the world at the same time, according to the Agence France-Presse.
"The situation in the South China Sea is on the whole peaceful and stable, and there has never been an issue with the freedom of navigation," Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the general staff department in the People's Liberation Army, said during a security summit in Singapore on Sunday.
Sun added that China has been constructing man-made islands, buildings and roads so it can boost the functions of existing reefs and islands, as well as the living and working conditions of the people doing work in the area.
"Apart from meeting the necessary defence needs, it is more geared to better perform China's international responsibilities and obligations regarding maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention and relief, maritime scientific research, meteorological observation, environmental protection, safety of navigation, fishery production, services," he said.
China's response follows three months after Hong Lei, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, dismissed similar criticisms made by the U.S. over the ongoing disputes, USA Today reported. Hong said at the time that Washington is merely exaggerating the tensions felt between the neighboring regions,
