The Chinese government is moving to defend its construction of lighthouses on islands in the South China Sea.
Construction of two lighthouses is underway on reefs in the Nansha Islands.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying notes the construction of the lighthouses is part of China's international obligations.
"China has stressed many times that the construction of lighthouses on Huayang Reef and Chigua Reef on the Nansha Islands are actions to fulfill our relevant international responsibilities and obligations. These lighthouses will help us to better and more efficiently conduct rescues, inspections, disaster prevention and reduction, scientific investigations and meteorological observations."
The creation of the lighthouses in the Nansha Islands is drawing criticism from the Philippine government, which is also making claims on the islands.
The Chinese side notes the lighthouses will improve navigational safety for all ships travelling through the region.
The Nansha Islands, a popular area for fishermen, is filled with numerous shoals and reefs which can be hazardous for shipping.
