China has dismissed U.S. views on the South China Sea at the ongoing Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore.
In his speech on Saturday, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter pledged operations by the US navy and air force in the region will continue.
"There should be no mistake. The US will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows as the US forces do all over the world. America, alongside its alliance partners in the regional architecture will not be deterred from exercise in need of their rights, the rights of all nations."
Carter also called for "an immediate and lasting halt to land reclamation by all claimants" in the South China Sea.
Chinese Rear Admiral Guan Youfei says Carter's speech is incomplete and lacks evidence.
"It's nothing but a distortion of the international law. Freedom of navigation should be for the benefits of economic development, rather than sending military aircraft and vessels everywhere."
Guan reiterated that China has never tried to limit navigation freedoms in the area and construction within China's territory is lawful and reasonable.
He notes that China has been exercising restraint on the South China Sea issue and urged the US to treat the issue in a more objective way.
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