The Chinese foreign ministry says China has right to build on its own territory in the South China Sea.
It says construction there will not affect the freedom of navigation and overflight in the region. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei was responding to a comment by U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter's comment that China might threaten global order.
Hong Lei said China will work with ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and will solve disputes through negotiations.
"The U.S. has sent military vessels near the Nansha islands and surrounding waters despite China's strong opposition. This has severely damaged China's sovereignty and security and increased regional tensions. It is very clear who is threatening the international order and causing trouble," Hong said.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong says China is not aware of any plan to discuss the South China Sea issue at an Asia-Pacific leaders' summit next week in Manila.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the APEC summit.
Liu said the meeting is primarily about discussing economic cooperation and trade in the Asia Pacific region.
