Military leader pledges cooperation

Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission Fan Changlong said China "will never recklessly resort to the use of force" even on issues regarding sovereignty, and China's construction of islands in the South China Sea helps provide better public services to the world.

Fan made the comments while addressing the Sixth Xiangshan Forum over the weekend, a high-end semiofficial gathering hosted by China that involves senior officials and scholars and focuses on Asia-Pacific security.

Several days ago, newly built lighthouses on Huayang Reef and Chigua Reef, where China has garrisons, were officially put into use. Fan said such projects "will not affect freedom of navigation in the South China Sea".