SANSHA - To advance the construction of China's newest city, an official delegation completed a field survey of the islands and waters within the jurisdiction of Sansha City on Tuesday, according to the provincial authorities of Hainan.

It was the first comprehensive survey organized by the Hainan provincial authorities since the official establishment of Sansha City in July.

From May 6 to 14, a delegation of relevant officials at both the provincial and city levels traveled 2,270 nautical miles on board the Yuzheng-310, a fishery administration patrol vessel.

They surveyed the Zengmu Reef, as well as the Yongshu, Meiji and Zhubi reefs.

The delegation held discussions with local garrison and fishery enterprises and extended their regards to the enterprises and local fishermen.

Sources with the Hainan provincial government said the survey was conducted in preparation for the formulation of Sansha's regional development plans.

To facilitate local resource development and environmental protection efforts, the survey focused on the marine resources and environment of Sansha.

The delegation conducted in-depth discussions over these issues in several workshops during the surveying process, they said.

With its government office based on Yongxing Island in the South China Sea, Sansha City administers three island groups - Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha -- and their surrounding waters.