China to add civilian facilities on S. China Sea islands

China is to build new civilian facilities on some islands and reefs of the South China Sea, said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson here on Tuesday.

"This is aimed at fulfilling China's international responsibility and offer better public goods and service for countries in the region," said spokesperson Hong Lei at a routine press briefing.

He said China will build necessary defense facilities on some islands, adding the construction will be moderate and has nothing to do with militarization.

"The construction will not target any country nor impede navigation and overflight freedom enjoyed by other countries in accordance with international law," Hong added.

China has built two lighthouses on South China Sea reefs, which ensure the safety of ships, and completed a land reclamation project on some of the Nansha Islands in June, he added. Endi