China’s deployment of defenses on Chinese islands in South China Sea is legitimate, expert believes

Beijing. June 5. Silkroadnews - The deployment of Chinese defensive facilities on the islands in the South China Sea is legitimate and necessary, Vice President of the Academy of Military Sciences of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army He Lei, People’s Daily reports.
He Lei said about this commenting statements by the U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
According to He, China’s islands in the South China Sea and adjacent waters are China’s sovereign territory, this is verified by historical evidence and supported by international law.
He stressed that China’s deployment of defensive facilities on its islands in the South China Sea is a legitimate right granted to sovereign states by international law, which has nothing to do with militarization and does not pose a threat to regional security.
He noted that irresponsible remarks on this issue are interference in China’s internal affairs.
High-ranking Chinese military officials say that those who complaint about militarization are actually undertake militarization in the South China Sea.
According to him, in the name of “freedom of navigation”, they sent military vessels and aircraft to the adjacent waters and airs of Chinese islands and reefs to carry out military activities and some even demonstrated muscles within 12 nautical miles of Chinese islands.
These steps not only undermine the security and stability of China, but also threaten the state’s sovereignty and are a source of militarization in the South China Sea.
He noted that the Chinese government and the people resolutely oppose such moves and will take the necessary measures to restrain them.