China calls its activities in South China Sea ‘restrained’ as US raises flag

By:The times of India

A Chinese coast guard vessel passes near the Chinese oil rig Haiyang Shi You 981 in the disputed South China Sea. (Reuters file photo)

BEIJING: China defended its activities in the South China Sea as restrained and responsible on Friday after the US intelligence chief called its expansion of outposts in the region an "aggressive" effort to assert sovereignty.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the country's activities on shoals and in surrounding waters it claims are "reasonable, legitimate and legal" and that its attitude has been one of "restraint and responsibility."