22-Jun-12, 10:02 AM | Abigail Kwok, InterAksyon.com

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

ANILA, Philippines - China bolstered its claim over disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) with the establishment of a "prefectural-level" city to exercise jurisdiction over three disputed islands, Chinese state media reported.

Xinhua, quoting a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs, said the State Council, or China's cabinet, had approved the establishment of Sansha City, which will administer the island groups of Xisha (Paracels), Zhongsha and Nansha (Spratlys). The seat ofgovernment will be stationed on Yongxing Island, which is a part of Paracels.

A Ministry of Civil Affairs spokesperson said Thursday that Sansha City would help improve China's "administrative management on Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha islands and their future development."

"It is also conducive to protecting the oceanic environment of theSouth China Sea," the spokesperson said.

Prior to the establishment of Sansha City, the three disputed islands were under the Administration Office for the Xisha Islands, the Nansha Islands and the Zhongsha Islands.

China elevated the status to city status after Vietnam passed its Vietnamese maritime law.

China claimsthat it was the one who first discovered and named the reefs, islets, and surrounding waters of these disputed islands.

China put up the Administration Office for the Xisha, Zhongsha, and Nansha Islands in 1959.

Original post:

China bolsters claim over islands in South China Sea, establishes 'prefectural level' city