Sutirtho Patranobis
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to create a base in the newly established city of Sansha in the South China Sea, set up last week to administer a group of islands locked in dispute with Vietnam and other countries.
Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said at a press
conference that China may set up local military command organs in the city according to relevant regulations.
Last week, the State Council, China's cabinet, approved the establishment of the prefectural-level city of Sansha to administer the Xisha (Paracel), Zhongsha and Nansha (Spratly) island groups - all three are under dispute -- and their surrounding waters in the South China Sea.
The islands are said to be located in potentially resource-rich area of the region.
The government seat will be stationed on Yongxing Island, part of the Xisha Islands, according to a statement from the ministry of civil affairs.
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