China firmly upholds her sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - China has rejected accusations by Ashton Carter that China's actions in the South China Sea are "out of step" with international rules. The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a six-point response on Saturday.

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China's sovereignty and rights in the area have a historical foundation, and do not require land reclamation as justification.

Second, construction on the Nansha islands - also called the Spratly islands by some countries- are within Chinese sovereignty and does not target any country. The spokeswoman explained that China is sticking to its path of peaceful development and its defensive security policy.

Third, Chinese construction is based on international needs and fulfils the responsibility and obligation China shoulders as a big nation. Hua Chunying said the construction will better serve regional countries for their sailing, disaster relief and fishing in the area.

Fourth, she noted that construction on islands and reefs have not caused and will not pose problems to air and sea navigation. but warned that countries should not abuse freedom of navigation.

Fifth, Hua explained that the code of conduct in the South China Sea should be negotiated between China and ASEAN nations. She called on countries outside the region such as the US to respect their efforts and not complicate the process.

Lastly, the spokeswoman said the South China Sea issue is not an issue between China and the US, as it does not concern the US. Hua urged the US to keep its promise not to take sides on territorial disputes, and stop making remarks that are harmful both to regional peace and stability AND to US-China relations.