China defends construction work on disputed islands

‘A Chinese military official says his country’s ongoing construction work on disputed islands in the South China Sea has defense purposes and is meant to enhance China’s capabilities toward meeting its international obligations, including those regarding environmental issues.

Admiral Sun Jianguo, the deputy chief of the general staff department in the People’s Liberation Army, said, “China has carried out construction on some islands and reefs in the South China Sea mainly for the purpose of improving the functions of the relevant islands and reefs.”

Addressing the security summit Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he added, “Apart from meeting the necessary defense needs, it is more geared to better perform China’s international responsibilities and obligations regarding maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention and relief, maritime scientific research, meteorological observation, environmental protection, safety of navigation, fishery production, services.”’

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