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Vietnam slams China over construction of lighthouses
In this April 20 file photo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen
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In this April 20 file photo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang points to reveal recent images of China's reclamation activities being done at the disputed islands in the South China Sea during a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. (AP/Bullit Marquez) (AP/Bullit Marquez)
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span class="inline inline-center">In this April 20 file photo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang points to reveal recent images of China's reclamation activities being done at the disputed islands in the South China Sea during a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. (AP/Bullit Marquez)
Vietnam on Wednesday slammed China over its construction of two lighthouses in the disputed South China Sea, saying the move violates Vietnam's sovereignty and escalates tensions.
Chinese state media reported last week that a completion ceremony was held for the lighthouses on Cuateron Reef and Johnson South Reef in the Spratly islands.
The state-run Vietnam News Agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh as saying the construction "seriously violates Vietnam's sovereignty ... complicates the situation and escalates tensions."
He said Vietnam will protest China's actions.
Xinhua says the lighthouses will help improve navigation in the area.
China has launched a massive land reclamation project on reefs in the South China Sea over the last 18 months, raising concerns in the region and in the United States. (k)(++++)
