Reclamation work in Nansha to end soon
Print Edition
A project to reclaim land for future development of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea will be completed in the next few days, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
“Apart from satisfying the needs of defense, the main purpose of the construction activities is to meet civilian demands and better perform China’s international obligations and responsibilities,” Lu Kang, the ministry’s spokesman, told a press conference.
The obligations and responsibilities are in areas such as maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention, scientific research, meteorological observation, ecological conservation, navigation safety and fisheries production service, he said.
On completion of the reclamation work, China will commence the building of facilities to meet the various requirements, he said.
All of the construction activities on the Nansha islands and reefs fall within the scope of China’s sovereignty, and are “lawful, reasonable and justified,” the spokesman said.
“They are not targeted at any other country, do not affect the freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed by all countries in accordance with international law in the South China Sea, nor have they caused or will they cause damage to the marine ecological system and environment in the South China Sea,” the spokesman said.
Lu reaffirmed China’s commitment to the path of peaceful development, saying the country follows a foreign policy of forging friendship with its neighbors.
“China is a staunch force for peace and stability,” he said.
While safeguarding her territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, China will dedicate herself to resolving disputes with relevant states directly concerned in accordance with international law, Lu said.
It will also work with ASEAN members to push forward consultations on a “Code of Conduct in the South China Sea” within the framework of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, he said.
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