China denies island building 'militarizes' South China Sea. China Sank Fishing Boat Near Disputed Islands

China on Wednesday denied its island building in the South China Sea would "militarize" the area, after U.S. and Australian defense and foreign ministers expressed concern during their annual meeting.

"China's construction on the Nansha Islands serves mostly civilian purposes, helping deliver our international responsibilities and obligations and providing more public good," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a regular news briefing.

The lighthouses on Huayang and Chigua reefs went into operation on Oct. 10 and have significantly improved navigation safety in the South China Sea.

"Some countries flex their military muscles and hold frequent large-scale drills with their allies in the South China Sea, which is the most important factor militarizing the waters. China expresses serious concern over this," she said.

China's military deployment is "necessary, limited and defense-oriented," Hua said.
 Xinhua -china.org.cn
15/10/15
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• Vietnam has accused China of sinking one of its fishing boats near disputed islands in the South China Sea that could further raise tensions between the communist neighbors.

Phan Huy Hoang, an official in central Quang Ngai province where the fishermen came from, said Thursday that a Chinese vessel slammed into the fishing boat with 10 fishermen on board near the Paracels islands on September 29 and sank it.

The fishermen were rescued by another Vietnamese fishing boat and the case was reported to authorities when the fishermen returned home two days ago.

Hoang said more than 20 Vietnamese fishing boats have been attacked by Chinese vessels this year.

He said a formal protest will be made to China.
 AP
 voanews.com
14/10/15