China has summoned the US ambassador , Max Williams , after America launched a direct military challenge today to Beijing 's territorial claims in the South China Sea with naval manoeuvres near two artificial islands , thereby raising the stakes in the escalating territorial dispute . The Chinese vice - foreign minister , Zhang Yesui , told journalists the move was " extremely irresponsible " and a threat to China 's sovereignty , though he would not be drawn as to whether China was considering a military response . “China's military responses are muted at this moment. Researchers say the move was a warning to China not to overplay its role in signalling that America is not welcome in the area but predicts that China will feel it has to react to the challenge . China 's military build - up in the South China Sea , including the construction of a 3 km runway capable of supporting fighter jets and transport planes , has grown into major source of tension between the US and China .
China has summoned the US ambassador , Max Williams , after America launched a direct military challenge today to Beijing 's territorial claims in the South China Sea with naval manoeuvres near two artificial islands , thereby raising the stakes in the escalating territorial dispute . The Chinese vice - foreign minister , Zhang Yesui , told journalists the move was " extremely irresponsible " and a threat to China 's sovereignty , though he would not be drawn as to whether China was considering a military response . Researchers say the move was a warning to China not to overplay its role in signalling that America is not welcome in the area but predicts that China will feel it has to react to the challenge . China 's military build - up in the South China Sea , including the construction of a 3 km runway capable of supporting fighter jets and transport planes , has grown into major source of tension between the US and China .