China begins constructing lighthouses on two disputed islands

The Chinese transport ministry in a ceremony on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for the construction of two lighthouses on the Spratly Islands, which are disputed territories also claimed by other Southeast Asian countries.

One of the lighthouses will be situated near Huayang Reef, claimed by Philippines, and the other at Chigua Reef, claimed by Vietnam, Efe news agency reported.

According to the ministry's statement, the beacons will improve navigation and security in the regional waters.

"China's construction of the lighthouses on Huayang Reef and Chigua Reef in the Spratly Islands is an important measure to implement its corresponding international responsibilities and duties," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a press conference.

The lighthouses, with a traditional Chinese design, will be 50 metres tall, with a diameter of 4.5 metres and will illuminate a distance up to 22 nautical miles.

Disputes over the Spratly Islands, believed to have rich hydrocarbon deposits, date back several decades but have intensified in recent years, especially with the Philippines, which accuses Beijing of illegal construction on the islands.