China again Defends Land-building at Shangri-La Dialogue
A senior Chinese military official is describing the rise of China as "positive energy" for world peace and prosperity.
Sun Jianguo, head of the Chinese delegation to a regional security forum taking place in Singapore, says China will properly handle the disputes in the South China Sea.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Sun Jianguo has also defending China's land reclamation work in the South China Sea.
"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 islands and reefs, and the working and living conditions of the personnel stationed there. Apart from meeting the necessary defense needs, it is more geared towards better perform China's international responsibilities regarding maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention and relief, maritime scientific research, meteorological observation, environmental protection, safety navigation and fishery production services."
His speech comes a day after US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter delivered a speech critical of China's island-building activities.
Sun Jianguo says China's actions are legitimate, saying they don't threaten another country or affect freedom of navigation.
At the same time, Sun is also calling for more to be done to bridge the differences in the region.
"We hope relevant countries will work together in the same direction to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and co-operation."
Issues in the South China Sea have been a major focus of the three-day summit in Singapore, which ends today.
