China resolutely opposes the U.S.'s warrantless criticism on South China Sea issues and urges the U.S. side to stop "maliciously hyping up" the South China Sea situation. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang on Tuesday responded to U.S. Pentagon's statements, which accused China of interfering in Vietnam's oil and gas exploration and production activities.  

"The right and wrong of the issue is quite clear. The U.S. has made irresponsible remarks over and over again, disregarding facts and calling black white, and China is firmly opposed to that," he said. 

Geng noted China is a firm defender and practitioner of international law and order always exercising its legitimate rights in the region based on international law, and firmly safeguarding regional peace, stability and order. 

China urges the U.S. to play a positive and constructive role in international and regional affairs, he added. 

(Cover: A boat sails near the Ganquan Island of Xisha Yongle Islands in South China Sea. /Xinhua Photo)