China has accused the international media of targeting Beijing for its alleged deployment of missiles and radars in the South China Sea, totally ignoring the weaponry of other claimant-countries in the disputed waterway.

Last week, reports surfaced that China had deployed missiles, fighter jets, and radar equipment to the disputed Woody island in the Paracel group of islands, which were also being claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

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"I suggest to the media that, in your reports, you not selectively pump up or ignore things," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a press conference on Wednesday.

                                                      Ownership

Hua reiterated that Beijing is free to deploy anything it deems fit to the China-controlled Paracels islands.

Hua has called on the media to tread carefully on the South China Sea dispute and not zero in on China's arms deployment in the Paracels.

"Because when you pay attention to what China is deploying, do you also pay attention to other countries which have, over the years, deployed radars and advanced weapons on Chinese islands they have occupied,?" Hua emphasized.

                                                       Media

" I hope friends in the media can objectively, rationally and calmly make their reports," Hua added.

China is laying claim to a large portion of the South China Sea through which $5 trillion worth of maritime goods passes through each year. Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan have overlapping claims.

Recently, Vietnam issued a diplomatic note to Beijing demanding China stops violating Hanoi's sovereignty in the disputed islands.

                                                    Naval operations

On Tuesday, Admiral Harry Harris, chief of the US Pacific Command, said that the US military will not stop its naval operations in the South China Sea despite China's opposition.

He urged China to stop militarizing the South China Sea region.

Harris said China's deployment of missiles, radars and jets on Woody island and the Spratlys and the building of airstrip on the Fiery Cross Reef were "actions that are changing the operational landscape in the South China Sea."

Harris's statements came on the heels of the recently-concluded talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department where they tackled the South China Sea dispute.

TagsWoody island, Paracel Islands, International media, Naval operations, china