Take a look at these satellite images of Chinese-controlled island in South China Sea

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Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea has drawn criticism from Washington which says it has a national interest in freedom of navigation in sea lanes critical for world trade. Ambassador Cui Tiankai said Washington should not try to "interfere" in regional efforts to resolve disputes in the South China Sea, a vital strategic waterway that China claims, most of which is contested by several Asian countries. (Reuters Photo)

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As US President Donald Trump prepared for his first official visit to Asia, China's ambassador said that the US shouldn't obstruct efforts by China and its neighbors to agree on a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea. (Reuters Photo)

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Cui was previewing China's preparations for Trump's five-nation trip to Asia that includes a state visit to China. He said it comes at a "very important moment" for relations between the two world powers _ building on progress made when Chinese President Xi Jinping met Trump at his Florida resort in April. (Reuters Photo)

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Combination of satellite photos show Chinese-controlled Tree Island, part of the Paracel Islands group in the South China Sea, on November 11, 2015 (top) and on October 12, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

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Cui sought to play down differences over China's massive trade surplus with the United States, saying Beijing was looking for ways to cut this and he was confident of "significant outcomes" from Trump's November 8-9 visit on the trade and economic fronts. (Reuters Photo)