However, for the sake of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, China does need self-defense.

The undergoing construction in the South China Sea neither impedes the freedom of navigation nor targets any third party. Those facilities on the islands and reefs, even being of some military nature, are reasonable and justifiable for China to use them for defense purposes.

It is worth noting that countries such as the Phillipines have built many major infrastructure projects on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

Therefore, it would be groundless to criticize China for building facilities there, which amounts to a double standard towards China's territory and defense activities.

If any party stubbornly regards the construction as unreasonable or illegal, it only reveals that the party concerned has little knowledge about neither history nor the international law.

In this regard, China rejects any charge by any party on the legitimacy of the infrastructure on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

China will continue to uphold the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, continue to peacefully resolve disputes through direct dialog and consultation, and continue to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

China's policy toward its neighbors is guided by the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. It aims to bring harmony, stability and prosperity to the neighborhood.

This policy has not changed, and will not in the future.