Taiwan builds a lighthouse in South China Sea - Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

Taipei, Aug. 16 (CNA) Taiwan is building a lighthouse on Taiping Island (also known as Itu Aba) which will be completed by the end of September, the Maritime and Port Bureau said on Aug. 7.

Reaching 13.7m above sea level, the lighthouse will have a range of 10 nautical miles. It will also be automated and regularly maintained, the bureau added.

With an area of 0.49 square kilometers, Taiping Island is the largest of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, which have been at the center of heated territorial disputes involving Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei in recent years.

Building the lighthouse could improve navigational safety, protect the natural environment and serve international community for the Republic of China, the bureau said.

Located 10 degrees 22 minutes 30 seconds north latitude and about 1,600km southwest of Taiwan, Taiping Island is the southernmost territory administered by the Republic of China.