China defends stance on South China Sea

Yongxing Island is home to the government of Sansha, China's southernmost city. (Photo/Xinhua)

China constructing on its own islands and reefs in the South China Sea is lawful and justified, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense said Thursday.

Wu Qian, the spokesperson, made the remarks at a regular press conference responding to questions about the South China Sea. 

The reporter mentioned that officials from the U.S. Department of Defense said the Chinese island reef construction affected the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Wu said it is a legitimate right for the sovereign state to deploy necessary defense facilities on the island reefs. China will, as always, make active efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, he added.