China drawn out plans on Thursday for the islands it is creating in the disputed South China Sea, which, they say, would be of good use for military defense as well as in providing civilian services where other countries will also share benefits.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that the reclamation and building work in the Spratly archipelago was somewhat needed because of the potential risks of typhoons in an area with a number of shipping that is rather far from land, Reuters reported.
Hua mentioned that they are building shelters, aids for navigation, search and rescue as well as marine meteorological forecasting services, fishery services and other administrative services not only for China, but also for the neighboring countries.
Also, the islands and reefs would meet the demands for China's military defense.
It is rather unusual for China to give such detail about its plans for the artificial islands. Other claimants were alarmed with the rapid reclamation on seven reefs. US criticism was also pulled out the drawer, including from Defense Secretary Ash Carter, who is visiting Japan and South Korea next week.
Hua said: "The relevant construction is a matter that is entirely within the scope of China's sovereignty. It is fair, reasonable, and lawful. It does not affect and is not targeted against any country. It is beyond reproach." CCTV reported.
China occupies most of the South China Sea. Almost $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes through annually. Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei, and Taiwan also have overlapping claims over the sea.
All the countries mentioned-except for Brunei-have walled bases in the Spratlys, which is located roughly 1,300 km from the Chinese mainland but much closer to the Southeast Asian claimants.