China on Tuesday said that 'sincerity' and not 'nation's size' should be used to judge its action in the disputed South China Sea region.

The comment from China's Foreign Ministry comes in response to President Barack Obama's remark that "big nations should not bully smaller ones." Obama's made the statement during a speech on the second day of his Vietnam tour. The US president also called for a 'peaceful resolution' of the South China Sea dispute.

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The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China has signed demarcation agreements with 12 neighbors; among them five nations are smaller than Philippines in size and 10 are smaller in population.

"This shows that a country's size does not matter regarding the issue. The key point is whether countries involved have the determination and sincerity to resolve disputes via talks and consultations," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.                    

Hua added that outside countries must respect the efforts of those in the region to maintain peace and stability. Hua remark is seen as a reference to the US' continuous intervention in the South China Sea issue.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also questioned the US' 'freedom of navigation' operation, asking whether freedom of navigation is a privileged right meant only for American aircrafts and navy vessels.                         

Few hours before Obama's speech on Monday, the US lifted its 42 years old arms ban on Vietnam. The move is aimed at shoring up Vietnam's military defense against China and is likely to lead further tension in the region.

Tagschina, South China Sea Dispute, Barack Obama, China and US, Vietnam, China and Vietnam