Working together, building trust and friendship and not conflict is the way to solve territorial problems and move forward, said Tung Chee-hwa, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR.
Observers warned that Washington is playing with fire as it has adopted an increasingly high profile over the South China Sea situation in recent months.
Foreign Ministry spokesman reaffirmed that China's construction in the South China Sea is within China's sovereign rights.
Recent remarks made by some senior US officials on the South China Sea issue are not only unjustified but also harmful to regional peace and stability.
It seems absurd two lighthouses in the South China Sea could evoke worry about the situation in the waters. But that is how it happened, days after the United States made close reconnaissance in the region.
Work is designed to "provide better services for the ships of China, its neighbors and other countries,” says a senior diplomat.
China has rebuked US criticism blaming China for tensions in the South China Sea, and instead criticized the United States for stoking the fire.
Manila's continuous attempts to drag the United States and some other countries further into the South China Sea disputes are irresponsible and counterproductive, and will only exacerbate the already complicated situation.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun on Tuesday labeled recent incidents in the South China Sea as "old tricks" used to stir tensions and smear the reputation of Chinese armed forces.
China's Ministry of Transport (MOT) on Tuesday hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of two lighthouses on Huayang Reef and Chigua Reef of China's Nansha Islands.
The United States and China continue to work closely on a number of issues and Washington looks forward to the scheduled US visit by President Xi Jinping later this year.
A new ship will serve the Xisha islands starting in October to promote cruise tourism on the South China Sea, according to the route's sole franchised shipping operator.
A report claiming that China and Thailand have signed an agreement concerning plans to build a major canal project has been denied.