China Says It Will Take 'All Necessary Means' Against U.S. Over Man-Made Islands

Chinese officials continue to speak out against U.S. military ships in the South China Sea this week, with a Defense Ministry spokesperson saying "all necessary" actions will be taken to protect the Asian country.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Yang Yujun said in a statement this week that China's commitment to protecting its national security is "rock-solid."

"We would urge the U.S. not to continue down the wrong path. But if the U.S. side does continue, we will take all necessary measures according to the need," Yang said in a statement.

The comments from China come after a U.S. Navy ship was spotted traveling close to China's man-made islands in the South China Sea.

The U.S. has suggested that these islands, built on a reef, were created to strengthen China's military power in the geographically-important region. The United States has refused to recognize the islands as being an individual territory.

China has repeatedly spoken out against the U.S. Navy ship since it passed the islands earlier this week.

Lu Kang, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, suggested earlier this week that the U.S. "give up the fantasy" of interfering with China's security affairs.

"If any country thinks that, through some gimmicks, they will be able to interfere with or even prevent China from engaging in reasonable, legitimate and legal activities in its own territories, I want to suggest those countries give up such fantasy," Kang said.

The state-run Global Times also issued an editorial this week arguing that China would not be afraid to go to war with the U.S.

"In [the] face of the US harassment, Beijing should deal with Washington tactfully and prepare for the worst," the newspaper argued.

"This can convince the White House that China, despite its unwillingness, is not frightened to fight a war with the US in the region, and is determined to safeguard its national interests and dignity."