China has branded as “irresponsible” US comments that it is intimidating its neighbours with its military deployment in the South China Sea.
A top Chinese general said China had the right to deploy troops and weapons “on its own territory”.
Earlier US Defence Secretary James Mattis said Beijing's actions called into question its broader goals.
Six countries have competing claims in the sea, but China has backed its own with island-building and patrols.
Gen Mattis had made his critical comments at a security summit in Singapore.
Speaking at the same conference, China's Lt Gen He Lei said: “Any irresponsible comments from other countries cannot be accepted.”
Gen He said Beijing's deployments were part of a policy of “national defence”, adding: “They are for the purpose of avoiding being invaded by others.
“As long as it is on your own territory you can deploy the army and you can deploy weapons.”
Gen He added: “We see any other country that tries to make noise about this as interfering in our internal affairs.”
Gen Mattis said Beijing had deployed military hardware, including anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jammers to locations across the South China Sea.
“Despite China's claims to the contrary, the placement of these weapon systems is tied directly to military use for the purposes of…
