The Chinese government is answering-back to accusations its island-building efforts in the South China Sea are "out of step" with the regional consensus.
The accusations have been made by US Defense Secretary Ash Carter.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying suggests the US side has "double standards" on the issue.
"I need to reiterate that China's projects on some islets and reefs in the South China Sea are proportional to the responsibility of a major country. The Chinese people can judge what they should do. Nobody else has the right to blame. I must note that the US has kept silent over some countries' illegitimate constructions on China's islands and reefs while criticizing China's lawful and normal projects within its sovereignty. The US either has double standards on this issue, or has some ulterior purposes."
At the same time, the Chinese government is callnig for the US to play a constructive role in the region.
"What does the US want to see in the Asia-Pacific? What role does the US want to play in the region? Will it serve the interests of the US if the world's growth engine plunges into turmoil? We hope the US can think it over, take a responsible attitude, stop all provocations and play a truly constructive role for regional stability."
The issue is expected to be a focus on the annual Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which is set to take place later on this Friday in Singapore.
Sun Jianguo, China's deputy army chief, is heading the Chinese delegation to the three-day event.
