China rejects foreign criticism over construction on Lingyang Reef in South China Sea

China has completed the first phase of construction on Lingyang Reef in the Paracel Islands, drawing renewed foreign media reports alleging the site could become part of a major military base. The Global Times, citing experts, insists the reef is historically Chinese territory and that the work is a lawful, civilian-focused effort to improve living conditions for fishermen and provide public services such as navigation safety and disaster relief.