Tensions rise as China defends missile sites in South China Sea

China is defending the construction of surface-to-air missile sites in the South China Sea, a move opposed by the U.S. but one that could help consolidate its hold over one of the most important shipping lanes in the world.

"China has the right to deploy necessary defensive facilities on its territory in accordance with security requirement," Colonel Ren Guoqiang, spokesman for the regime's Ministry of National Defense, said Thursday. "It is the legitimate right of a sovereign state."

China has claimed sovereignty over approximately 90 percent of the South China Sea, a subject of hot dispute given that the waters flow between several neighboring countries carrying "half the world's annual merchant fleet tonnage," according to the National Interest. The increased military capabilities could give China an edge when negotiating with its smaller neighbors, even as they try to cut the United States out of the talks.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over relevant islands and reefs in the South China Sea and the adjacent waters," Ren said.

The surface-to-air missile sites, which were built on artificial islands constructed by the Chinese, angered U.S. policymakers when they were revealed this week.