China's state-controlled media lashed out Monday at the U.S. criticism of Beijing's claims over a wide swathe of the disputed South China Sea.

A commentary in the overseas edition of the Communist Party's People's Daily said Washington needs to “shut up.”

China is upset about a U.S. statement Friday that Washington is closely monitoring territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The statement said China's establishment of a military garrison and city risk “further escalating tensions in the region.”

On Saturday, China's Foreign Ministry summoned a senior U.S. diplomat who was told the U.S. must respect China's sovereignty.

Last month, China announced the establishment of a new garrison and city built on several disputed islands in the South China Sea.

The islands are also claimed by the Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The area in dispute is thought to be rich in oil and gas.