IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Beijing

First phase islands project complete

Land reclamation on some islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands has been completed as planned, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. China will start the construction of facilities, said spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a daily news briefing. Hua said the main purpose of China's construction activity is to meet various civilian demands and better perform international obligations and responsibilities. It also addresses some defense needs, she said.