BEIJING - A Chinese general said Monday that it is "inappropriate" for the United States to hold military drills amid disagreements between China and other countries in the South China Sea.

"For the disputes over the islands and their adjacent waters of the South China Sea, we can address them through dialogue and diplomatic measures," Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chen Bingde said at a press briefing after his talks with Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen.

"China's position on the South China Sea is consistent and clear," Chen said, adding that China continually upholds that disputes should be solved through negotiations.

Noting that China's principle over the South China Sea is "shelving differences while seeking joint development," Chen stressed that "shelving differences" should be placed as pre-conditions.

Chen said the United States had stated on many occasions that it had no intention to interfere into the South China Sea issue, yet it still held military drills time and again.

He added that there was not any issue pertaining to the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea , and the United States should not concern itself with it.