China says Xisha Islands are its inherent territory

China rejected on Monday Vietnam's protest over China's land reclamation activities in the Xisha Islands, saying the islands are China's inherent territory and there is no dispute over their sovereignty.

Responding to a related query, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China is carrying out necessary construction on its own territory in order to improve living conditions for island residents and serve local economic development.

He added that the construction is aimed at improving the housing and living conditions of people living on the islands and supporting local economic growth.