Singapore: China has denied United States (US) criticism over the Chinese intensifying and reclamation works in the South China Sea, explaining that it was exercising its sovereignty through the exercises in the Sea, thesenlive reported.

While addressing a security summit in Singapore, deputy chief of the general staff department in the People’s Liberation Army, Admiral Sun Jiaguo, said, “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.”

“China has carried out construction on some islands and reefs in the South China Sea mainly for the purpose of improving the functions of the relevant islands and reefs, and the working and living conditions of personnel stationed there.” He said in the annual meeting of Shangri-La Dialogue.

The kept on saying that, “Apart from meeting the necessary defense 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,”

“When dealing with maritime disputes with relevant neighboring countries, China has always kept in mind the larger interest of maritime security,” he further said.