China is comparing its controversial island reclamation project in the South China Sea to ordinary construction going on in other parts of the country, such as the building of roads and apartments.
Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun on Tuesday said the issue has been exaggerated by those seeking an excuse to take unspecified actions in response — a clear reference to the United States.
Yang's comments follow an incident last week in which a Chinese navy dispatcher warned-off a US Navy P8-A Poseidon surveillance aircraft as it flew over Fiery Cross Reef, where China has conducted extensive reclamation work. The U.S. crew replied that they were in international airspace.
Yang said surveillance activities have been growing in frequency but declined to say what additional measures China might take in response.