China says the U.S. has no right to accuse anyone of pushing around anyone else.
The comment comes after US President Barack Obama said Washington is concerned that China is using its sheer size and muscle to push around smaller nations in the South China Sea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying:
"You've said that the U.S. leader said that China is showing its size and muscle. I think everyone can see very clearly who has the biggest size and muscle in the world. But we have many times explained China's position on the South China Sea. China has always been a resolute proponent of peace and stability in the South China Sea. We have always proactively advocated using a dual track approach to resolve the South China Sea issue."
Hua also says China hopes the U.S. can respect the hard work of China and countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and play a positive role in pushing for peace in the region.
China has reiterated that construction and maintenance work on the Nansha Islands fall within China's rights under Chinese sovereignty.
