Photo taken on July 18, 2012 shows a building on Zhubi Reef of south China Sea. [Xinhua/Wang Cunfu]

China's construction on its own islands and reefs in the South China Sea is lawful and justified, as it is merely building facilities in its own yard.

The islands and reefs which China has constructed are its inherent territory, over which China owns undisputable sovereignty. It is legitimate and justified to build major infrastructure projects on its own territory.

Besides, China's construction activities currently underway on its own islands and reefs does not violate any international law.

Unlike certain countries, China did not undertake any illegal construction activities in another country's territory, and China will not accept any criticism of its construction operations when it is merely building facilities in its own yard.

"We have every right to do things that are lawful and justified," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

In fact, China has always been a staunch supporter and ardent defender of regional peace and stability. It gives all-out support to any move that strengthens cooperation in the South China Sea.