China: Lighthouse in Subi Reef serves business purposes

MANILA, Philippines – China stressed that its lighthouse project on one of its artificial islands in the South China Sea is for business activities in the region.

China's Ministry of Transport recently started the operation of a lighthouse in Zamora or Subi Reef, which is also being claimed by the Philippines.

"The Chinese side has been working to provide more public goods and services for navigation in the South China Sea to ensure and facilitate the freedom and safety of navigation in the region. It serves business activities of coastal countries in the region and countries outside the region," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a press conference on Wednesday.

China's Xinhua News Agency reported that the 55-meter-high lighthouse will emit white light during nighttime that has a range of 22 nautical miles and a glowing cycle of five seconds.

Beijing started its lighthouse project in October 2015 to improve maritime response in the region, the Xinhua report said.

Lighthouses were also constructed at the Calderon (Cuarteron) and Mabini (Johnson) reefs, which are also being claimed by the Philippines.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations is expected to issue a ruling on Manila's arbitration case against Beijing by May.

The Philippines was the first country to challenge China's nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea. However, China refused to participate in the proceedings and insisted that it has indisputable sovereignty over the disputed waters.

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