China has plans for building projects on some South China Sea islands, saying it aims to provide a civilian service of benefit to other countries.
Responding to recent criticisms about China's land reclamation in the South China Sea, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that the country "has every right to do things that are lawful and justified".
China's construction on its own islands and reefs in the South China Sea is lawful and justified, as China is merely building facilities in its own yard.
China will push for the implementation of a code of conduct for the South China Sea - a document that will lessen the risk of escalating tensions in the area-but experts said such an agreement faces obstacles.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are totally able to safeguard well the peace and stability of South China Sea, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Nay Pyi Taw Sunday.
China supports and advocates the "dual-track" approach in resolving the South China Sea issue, a major step that shows the country's earnestness to achieve peaceful solutions to territorial disputes.
China will continue to exercise restraint, but will respond to provocations unequivocally and resolutely at the same time, Foreign Minister Wang Yi says.
Building lighthouses on Xisha and Nansha islands is an irreproachable act of China which ensures navigational safety within its territory.
Beijing urges "countries outside the region" to stay out of South China Sea disputes after a US official called for a freeze on activities that could alter the status quo.
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi's visit to Vietnam shows China's sincerity in tackling the maritime issue, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says.
China and Vietnam should solve their disagreements over maritime issues properly through political and diplomatic efforts, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday.
A Chinese envoy on Monday called for a harmonious maritime order, saying that maritime disputes should be settled through negotiation between the parties directly involved.