BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- China has rejected charges by the United States that it has 'expanded its outposts in the South China Sea', saying its activities in its own territory are legitimate and justified.
Media reports Thursday quoted the US intelligence chief James Clapper as saying China was expanding outposts in the South China Sea to include stations for ships and potential airfields as part of an "aggressive" effort to exert sovereignty.
"China's stance on the South China Sea issue is clear and consistant, and China has exercised restraint and a responsible attitude. It is legitimate, reasonable, and rational for China to carry out activities around islands, reefs, and waters under its jurisdiction. Outsiders have no right to make groundless accusations. We hope the United States will honor its commitments, be prudent with its words and actions, and do more to contribute to China-US relations and regional peace and stability." said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei.
(Source: english.CNTV.cn)
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