South China Sea
Policemen stand guard behind placards during a rally by members of Movement and Alliance to Resist China's Aggression, regarding the disputed islands in the South China Sea, in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati, Metro Manila August 31, 2015. The Philippines has sought help from the United States to monitor "real-time" developments in the South China Sea, providing surveillance and reconnaissance, a military spokesman said on Thursday, amid China's rapid expansion in the area. Reuters/Ezra Acayan

China finally spoke up on the South China Sea issue and its artificial islands. The country has denied militarising the region and warns other countries not to stir up any trouble.

China insisted that it has no plans of militarising the disputed region and asked other nations not to jump into conclusions amidst the country's ongoing construction. Deputy Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin maintained that the artificial islands are for "public service" purposes to help fishermen and ships in times of disaster.

“Building and maintaining necessary military facilities, this is what is required for China’s national defence and for the protection of those islands and reefs,” Bloomberg quoted Zhenmin while in a briefing on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.

“One should never link such military facilities with efforts to militarise the islands and reefs and militarizse the South China Sea,” he added.

According to Reuters, Liu's comments during the annual East Asia Summit can be considered as the most forceful the country has given over the much disputed South China Sea. The minister also pointed out Washington's insistence to test China on the claims of "freedom of navigation."

"Many leaders spoke about the need to uphold international principles, including the freedom of navigation, and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes," President Obama said in a separate news conference.

"My fellow leaders from Japan, Australia and the Philippines have reaffirmed that our treaty alliances remained the foundation of regional security. The United States is boosting our support for the Philippines maritime capabilities and those of our regional partners," the president added.

The South China Sea has been a region of interest to many countries including China because of its energy-rich content. In the previous months, reports about China turning reefs into artificial islands and airfields surfaced. The construction, which was centred in the Spratly archipelago, has sparked concerns in the West including its allies. Earlier in November, U.S. B-52 bombers flew close to the islands showing Washington's determination to challenge Beijing and its claims.

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