US warns China of 'consequences' of military buildup in South China Sea

Washington: The US today warned China that it would face "consequences" for military buildup in the disputed South China Sea where Beijing has deployed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that the Trump administration has raised the issue with the Chinese leadership.

"We are well aware of China's militarisation of the South China Sea. We've raised concerns directly with the Chinese leadership about this. And there will be near-term and long-term consequences," Sanders told reporters, responding to a question on the Chinese military build up in the South China Sea and other parts of the world.

China yesterday defended the deployment of anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems in the disputed waters, saying it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area.