BEIJING, June 17 -- China is planning to construct new civil facilities such as lighthouses and radio navigation stations in the Nansha Islands.

Facilities used for environmental observation, disaster prevention and alleviation, transportation and logistical support are also on the cards, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, told Xinhua on Wednesday.

These facilities are meant to ensure local civil needs, provide the international community with public services like assistance and salvage at sea, and promote international cooperation on maritime scientific research, the NDRC said.

On May 26th, the Ministry of Transport hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of two lighthouses on Huayang Reef and Chigua Reef of the Nansha Islands.

The Nansha Islands are situated in the southern part of the South China Sea, which is an important international maritime transport route as well as a major fishing ground. A large number of fishing vessels operate in this area all year round, which has led to many maritime traffic accidents.