Taiwan states that the lighthouse is aimed at improving navigational safety and environmental protection. (Photo : www.operationworld.org)
Taiwan will soon complete the construction of a lighthouse on Taiping Island, which is located in the South China Sea.
According to the country's Maritime and Port Bureau, the 13.7 MASL structure will have a range of 10 nautical miles and it is expected to be finished by the end of September.
Taking up an area of 0.49 square kilometers, Taiping is considered to be the largest of the Spratlys islands, which have been the focal point of territorial disputes involving China, Vietnam and the Philippines in recent years.
While China has been aggressively conducting reclamation activities in some islands in the region and building facilities that could possibly house military equipment to enforce its claim, Taiwan states that the lighthouse is aimed at improving navigational safety and environmental protection.
The bureau also stated that with the construction of the lighthouse, it aims to aid the Republic of China in serving the international community.
The bureau added that the country has also improved airport facilities on the island and a wharf is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2015.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense insists that the island is to be used for humanitarian tasks.
The construction of similar structures in the region and their justification is nothing new, as China has also setup two lighthouses in the South China Sea.
According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, the Chinese lighthouses were propped up to help in maritime search and rescue, disaster relief, environmental protection and navigational security.
"China faces many complex maritime security threats and challenges and requires a navy that can carry out multifaceted missions and protect its sovereignty," said Wang Jin, a senior colonel.
