China on Tuesday rebuked US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's provocative remarks on the South China Sea, warning the US not to muddy the waters in the region, and sow discord between China and ASEAN countries.

(Photo: VCG)

"It is the US that creates regional tensions and militarizes the South China Sea," Wang Wenbin, a Chinese foreign spokesman, said at a press briefing. "Public reports show US military aircraft have carried out more than 2,000 sorties in the region in the first half of the year. Since July 15, US military jets have conducted spy activities for 12 consecutive days in nearby waters."

"Such activities serve no good to regional peace and stability. The US needs to clarify what they are up to," he said.

Wang said China has always followed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and never expanded its claims on territorial sovereignty in the region. He added that China is willing to settle disputes over territory and maritime rights through negotiations and consultations with neighboring countries under  international law and respect for historical facts.

"In flagrant violation of its commitment not to take sides on the sovereignity of the South China Sea, the US is sowing discord between China and ASEAN countries," Wang said. "The South China Sea is not America's Hawaii. If some US politicians seek to muddy the waters, countries in the region and all peace lovers will not stand by."