China is not going to stop its reclamation project in the disputed areas of South China Sea. The country's foreign minister has dismissed U.S. concern over their activities in the area.    

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reportedly told the visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that his country's commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity is "unshakeable." He also said the development work undertaken by China in South China Sea is not controversial, but comes under the scope of its sovereignty, according to reports.    

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Wang made the comment at a joint press conference with Kerry. "The determination of the Chinese side to safeguard our own sovereignty and territorial integrity is as firm as a rock and it is unshakable," Xinhua has quoted Wang as saying. "China's development on some of the islands and reefs in Nansha is something fully within the scope of China's sovereignty."

At the press conference, Kerry continued to express his concern over China's land reclamation project in South China Sea and urged China, through the Foreign Minister, to take actions to reduce tension, paving the way for a diplomatic solution, according to The Telegraph's report.

Wang told Kerry that China is willing to have diplomatic talks with countries that have expressed concerns about their development project in South China Sea, Xinhua reported. He also reportedly underlined that his country is already holding such dialogues with ASEAN countries.

Despite the differences over South China Sea, Wang said, as quoted by Xinhua, both China and U.S. are committed to "maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, and to safeguarding freedom of navigation as defined by international law."

U.S. officials have claimed that China has already reclaimed nearly 810 hectares of land in Spratly Islands since 2014, according to BBC's report. Commander of the US Pacific Fleet Admiral Harry Harris has accused China of constructing artificial islands, creating "Great Wall of Sand," in South China Sea, The Telegraph reported.  

Kerry will be meeting China's President Xi Jinping on Sunday. He will be meeting other top government officials, as well. 

TagsU.S China dispute, dispute South China Sea