WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - The United States is aware that China intends to complete some reclamation work in the South China Sea in coming days, but US officials are concerned about its plans for further construction work, including for military defence, the State Department said on Tuesday.

"China's stated plans do not contribute to a reduction in tensions, support the emergence of diplomatic and peaceful solutions, or bolster China's disputed maritime claims," a State Department spokesperson said.

China said earlier on Tuesday it will soon complete some of its land reclamation on the Spratly islands in the disputed South China Sea, indicating that Beijing is close to setting up new outposts in the maritime heart of South-east Asia.