A plan is being drawn up to construct facilities for civilian use on the Nansha Islands, China's top economic planner said on Wednesday.

The plan includes building lighthouses and radio navigation stations, the National Development and Reform Commission said on its website on Wednesday evening.

In a statement, the commission said the plan would effectively meet demand for civilian use on the islands. It would offer public services, including maritime rescue operations, to the international community and promote international cooperation, including maritime scientific research.