China has an advantage in the South China Sea because of the country's strong engineering capability, said an expert on American affairs in an interview.

The West has long challenged China’s foreign policy when it comes to the South China Sea, questioning China’s decision to build military facilities in the area. In an interview with Haiwainet.cn, an official website of People's Daily Overseas Edition, Jin Canrong, an expert on American affairs and Assistant Dean of the Department of International Relations at China’s Renmin University, said that the facilities are meant to help residents of the islands, as well as international boats in the region.

Of course, China also maintains military facilities in the region for the purpose of self-defense — a reasonable move, according to Jin.

Jin said that the ongoing presence and influence of the U.S. in the South China Sea disputes provides strong impetus for China to build basic defensive facilities.

According to Jin, what the U.S. has done in the region is consumptive, whereas China's activities in the region are constructive and profitable.