Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reiterates that China's construction activities on the Nansha islands and reefs fall within the scope of China's sovereignty.
China and ASEAN agreed to reach an early conclusion on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, as senior officials met Thursday in Beijing for the 21st China-ASEAN Senior Officials' Consultation.
China opposed US Defense Secretary Ash Carter's remarks that China's island-building activities in the South China Sea are undermining security.
Beijing remains committed to strengthening rules governing the South China Sea and resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation.
Manila's continuous attempts to drag the United States and some other countries further into the South China Sea disputes are irresponsible and counterproductive, and will only exacerbate the already complicated situation.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun on Tuesday labeled recent incidents in the South China Sea as "old tricks" used to stir tensions and smear the reputation of Chinese armed forces.
China's Ministry of Transport hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for the construction of two multi-functional lighthouses on Huayang Reef and Chigua Reef of China's Nansha Islands, so as to improve the navigation safety in the South China Sea.
Government’s response comes after reports of an exchange between the Chinese navy and a US surveillance plane in the South China Sea.
Beijing last week announced the temporary ban on fishing in parts of the sea between May 16 and Aug 1 to protect marine resources.
China urges the Philippines government to stop unfounded accusation and hyping of China's construction work in the South China Sea.
While rejecting allegations on Friday that coast guard stole fish, Beijing urges Manila to stop illegally fishing in Chinese waters.