Historical Documents on the South China Sea Unveiled
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A number of historical documents have demonstrated that China's sovereignty over the South China Sea has a long history.

The oldest document, dating back to the 1860's, was published by the British navy and entitled the China Sea Directory. The document states that locals from south China's Hainan had been fishing in the area.

At the same time, French literature like Le Monde Colonial Illustre, which was put out in the 1930's, mentions Chinese people living on islands in the South China Sea.

Documents from Asian countries like Japan have also recorded Chinese people's activities in the area.

Chinese historical documents suggest that Chinese people have been living on islands in the South China Sea for over 2,000 years, making them the oldest residents in the region.

The Book of Han, completed in 111 AD, has recorded the earliest envoy sent by the then central government to the South China Sea.

The past Chinese governments had also sent explorers to the area as early as 1909.

Since then, a number of official maps had been published, giving names and locations of islands in the South China Sea.

Author： 　　　Source：CRI　　　 Editor：Yang Fan