The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday said its activities in the South China Sea are legitimate and justified.
The ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said that China's stance on the South China Sea issue is clear and consistent.
"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," Hong Lei added.
"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," he said.
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.