Hours after China defended the deployment of anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems in the disputed South China Sea, saying it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area, the U.S. has responded with a warning.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Thursday, May 4 that the United States has "raised concerns" with the Chinese. "We're well aware of China's militarization of the South China Sea," she said.

"There will be near-term and long-term consequences, and we'll certainly keep you up to date," she added.

Sanders issued the warning while she was responding to a question regarding CNBC's report that China had installed missile systems on outposts in the Spratly Islands, which are two-thirds of the way east from southern Vietnam to the southern Philippines.

Pentagon chief spokeswoman Dana White underscored Sanders’ statement as well as highlighting the United States' commitment to the freedom of navigation in international waters. She said the Chinese must understand that "they cannot, and should not, be hostile, and understand that the Pacific is – a place in which much commerce goes through. And it's in their interest to ensure that there's a free navigation of international waters."

Beijing previously announced in 2016 it had already deployed similar weapons to Woody Island in the Paracel Islands, on the north-western edge of the South China Sea. It claims an enormous swath of territory through the centre of the South China sea based on its self-proclaimed principle of nine dash line and has attempted to reinforce its hold on the area by creating and militarizing artificial islands in the Spratlys and the Paracels. According to CNBC, China has deployed missiles to Fiery Cross Reef, Mischief Reef and Subi Reef in the Spratlys.

In April, the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. officials had confirmed China had installed military radar jamming equipment on the Spratly Islands. The same month, Australian warships on their way to Vietnam were challenged by the Chinese navy as they traversed the South China Sea, leading Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to assert Australia's right to travel in these international waters. These incidents were then followed by a massive display of Chinese military might in the sea on April 12, culminating in a parade led by Beijing's only aircraft carrier and personally reviewed by President Xi Jinping.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying had said in her daily press briefing her nation has been involved in peaceful construction in the islands, which includes "the deployment of necessary national defence facilities."

"The relevant deployment targets no one. Anyone with no invasive intention will find no reason to worry about this," the spokeswoman said. "We hope that the relevant party could view this matter in an objective and calm way. "

She said China has "indisputable sovereignty" over the islands.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2018 11:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).