China's 'sense of destiny' a concern to Asia region, says James Clapper

China's aggressive pursuit of territorial claims in the seas of East Asia is driven by a sense of historical destiny and is causing great concern among countries in the region, the chief of US intelligence says.

James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, said China had pursued a very impressive military modernisation that was designed to address what it saw as America's military strengths.

Clapper was responding to a question on China's recent actions in the East and South China Seas posed at a House Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats.

Clapper said that China had been greatly concerned by the US "pivot to Asia"- the Obama administration's attempt to boost America's military, diplomatic and economic presence in the region - viewing it as an attempt at containment.

"They've been quite aggressive about asserting what they believe is their manifest destiny, if you will, in that part of the world," Clapper told lawmakers. He added that disputes over islands and energy resources, particularly in the South China Sea, created potential flash points for conflict.

Beijing denies any aggressive intent. It says its claims have a historical basis, including over most of the resource-rich South China Sea, where it has disputes with nations including Vietnam and the Philippines.