Writer Zhu Junqing
BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- As an outsider in the South China Sea issue, Japan has tried everything to get involved. However, such behavior has only led to more trouble on multiple occasions and is self-defeating; moreover, it has revealed Japan's hidden agenda.
During their recent visits to Europe and Southeast Asia, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida expressed "concerns" over China's lawful and reasonable construction of civilian and public facilities on the South China Sea islands and reefs, describing it as "militarization."
The accusation from the Japanese side does not hold water. China's construction is not targeted at any other country. Apart from minimum defense facilities, the buildings are primarily civilian in purpose, and serve not only China's interests, but also those of coastal nations in the region and other countries around the world.
For instance, two lighthouses built last year on reefs in the region have helped guide passing vessels from around the world and significantly improved navigation safety.
The Japanese leaders' irresponsible remarks also ignore the fact that the reclamation projects all involve islands belonging to China or its territorial waters.
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