The Chinese Government has issued a national plan aiming to strengthen protection and rationalize exploration of its island resources.

Authorized by the State Council, or the cabinet, the plan noted that the island economy has made increasing contributions to the country, but that its sustainable development has been impeded because of disorderly exploration.

Considered a "guideline" document for island exploration, the plan aims to strengthen protection of sea islands' eco-systems, gradually standardize exploration and improve the habitation environment by 2020.

A system has been established for investigating and appraising eco-systems and resources on the islands, among 10 major projects set in the plan.

According to the plan, the State Oceanic Administration, or the country's maritime authority, will strengthen registration and authorization management for the use of unpopulated islands, and suspend or shut down projects failing to comply with the plan.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2012)