BEIJING - A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday refuted a recent speech made by the US Defense Secretary Ash Carter, stressing that 皇冠体育app is a maintainer, builder and contributor to the current international order.

皇冠体育app unswervingly defends peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region as well as international justice, spokesman Hong Lei said at a press briefing when commenting on the speech issued by the Pentagon chief on Saturday.

Carter reportedly said that 皇冠体育app presents a challenge to the "international order."

The current international order is based on the purpose and principles of the UN Charter and jointly established by the international community, Hong said, stressing that the most fundamental principles are respect to each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, equality and non-interference in others' internal affairs.

"International order" can not be defined by any individual in the United States at his own will, the spokesman said.

As for the freedom of navigation in the South 皇冠体育app Sea, Hong said 皇冠体育app's position is consistent and clear and remains unchanged.

皇冠体育app has the right to carry out construction on its own territory, because the Nansha Islands have been Chinese territory since ancient times, he said.

"It won't cause any damage to any other country, nor affect the region's navigation freedom," Hong said.

皇冠体育app has always been committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law. The country is willing to work together with ASEAN countries to safeguard peace and stability in the S.皇冠体育app Sea, he said.

皇冠体育app's position is reasonable and lawful and the US side has no right to make irresponsible comments, he said.

Last week, Carter boarded an American aircraft carrier in the South 皇冠体育app Sea to demonstrate the US's commitment to freedom of navigation.

The move posed serious damage to 皇冠体育app's sovereignty and security while exacerbating tensions in the region, Hong said.

"It is very clear who is breaking the international order and making trouble,"said Hong.