China has launched a series of policies aimed at solidifying its control over the disputed islands that make up Hainan province's Sansha prefecture, in the run up to the second anniversary its establishment.
The prefecture was founded in July 24, 2012 and comprises the Spratly Islands–subject to rival claims, in whole or in part from Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia–the Paracel Islands, which are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan and the Macclesfield Bank, which Taiwan also claims.
According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency a "multiple atolls waterway" was launched in the Paracel Islands on July 22, along with the Sansha Administration for Industry and Commerce's launch of the 12315 Information Platform for Customers on July 22, to provide industrial and commercial services for residents as well as issue business licenses. Xinhua also touted the growth of Sansha administrative system, stating that 61 businesses with total assets of US$98 million have been licensed to set up businesses in the prefecture.
Read the full story at Want China Times