CCTV9英语新闻：South China Sea island building to finish soon

China's Foreign Ministry says some of the land reclamation on the Nansha islands and reefs in the South China Sea will soon be completed. The Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that based on its understanding from the relevant authorities, and according to the work plan, the land reclamation project should be completed within days. The Foreign Ministry also reiterated China's stance on sovereignty of the islands.

Satellite image shows the Yongshu reef of the Nansha Islands after a land reclamation project in south China. The land reclamation project of China's construction on some stationed islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands will be completed, as planned, in the upcoming days, according to relevant Chinese competent departments. (Xinhua)

"The projects falls within the scope of Chinese sovereignty and is legitimate. It is lawful, reasonable and justified. The activities are not meant to target any other country and will not affect the freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed by all countries in accordance with international law in the South China Sea, nor will it cause any harm to the environment. It's irreproachable," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kan said.

The spokesman said that although the construction satisfies defense needs, the main purpose is civilian in nature. He said China will build infrastructure to carry out maritime search and rescue, disaster relief, environmental protection and offer navigational assistance. He said China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests while continuing to work with the parties directly concerned to resolve the dispute through negotiation