China's Ministry of National Defense has responded to a US think tank report saying the country appeared to have installed weapons on seven islands in the South China sea. The report also called the move by China "militarization".

The Chinese ministry responded on its official website saying that "China has made it clear that construction on islands are mainly for civilian use. As for necessary military installations, they are mainly for defense and self-protection, and are legitimate and lawful."

And they added that "If someone makes a show of force at your front door, would you not prepare a slingshot?" Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang also remarked on Wednesday that ''we hope countries concerned can respect the efforts of China and ASEAN members, and maintain the positive momentum of the South China Sea situation."