BEIJING – China on Thursday defended the deployment of anti-ship cruisemissiles and surface-to-air missile systems in the disputed South ChinaSea, saying it has “indisputable sovereignty” over the area.

China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the SouthChina Sea and the East China Sea. China claims almost all of South ChinaSea. Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims.

“China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha (known as Spratly)islands and its affiliated islands,” foreign ministry spokesperson HuaChunying told a media briefing in Beijing when asked about the reported ofdeployment of the missiles.

Vietnam and Taiwan have rival claims over Spratly islands.

“China’s activities in the South China Sea is to uphold our sovereignty andterritorial integrity. It is our right,” she said.

Virtually confirming the deployment of the missiles, Hua said, “relevantdeployment is not directed against any country. The relevant parties shouldnot be concerned about this and should view this in an objective way.”

The US media reports earlier said China has installed anti-ship cruisemissiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three of its outposts in theSouth China Sea.

The reports said the missiles were moved to Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef andMischief Reef within the past 30 days.

In April, the Chinese military held its largest ever maritime drill in thedisputed South China Sea during which it displayed for the first time thecountry’s aircraft carrier strike group and the most advance weaponry ofthe People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The drill was held amid frequent forays made by US naval and aircraft intothe South China Sea to assert the freedom of navigation especially aroundthe artificial islands built by China, where it has also establishedgarrisons.

The strategic South China Sea is rich in energy reserves, fishery resourcesand is a busy shipping route.