China's recent comments accusing Washington of continuing to 'test'  Beijing over disputed islands in the South China Sea did not sit well with US President Barack Obama, as he counter-accused the mainland of abusing its military might.

Washington had said it would 'continue to test' Beijing's pledge not to militarize the South China Sea region.

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Following news about China's deployment of surface-to-air missile to the South China Sea, Obama lashed out at the Asian nation and had a mouthful to say against Beijing.

"We think China is resorting to the old style of might makes right, as opposed to working through international law and international norms to establish claims, and to resolve disputes," Obama said.

                                                           Right to protect

China has argued that it has the right to protect its territory and that its building of weather stations, lighthouses, airstrips and other facilities are meant to provide 'public goods and services to the international community.'

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei has pointed to the US as the one who has been militarizing the region by conducting air and naval patrols and holding regional exercises with other nations.

Lei said the military activities being conducted by the US has become a growing concern among claimant countries and threatens peace and stability in the South China Sea.

                                                           Tensions

"These actions have escalated tensions in the South China Sea, and that's the real militarization of the South China Sea. The U.S. is bold about imposing pressure on China, and China must make an appropriate response," Lei said.

Meanwhile, Vietnam, who has competing claims in the Paracel islands, has sent a diplomatic note to the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi demanding that Beijing stop the 'infringement of Vietnam's sovereignty" over the islands.

"China's action have also threatened peace and stability in the region as well as security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation," Vietnam Foreign Ministry spokesman Li Hai Bin, said. 

TagsWashington, Beijing, South China Sea, right to protect, satellite images