Detecting antiques at the bottom of Hoang Sa

Chinese archaeologists say they have discovered 12 locations containing antiquities in the area near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.

Archaeologists surveyed 12 old sites and discovered 12 new locations, collecting a large number of specimens including pottery, porcelain, coins, ancient ship parts under the ocean Xinhua quoted Li Jilong, an expert in the Hainan Province Cultural Heritage Office.

The artifacts discovered by China in one time
search near the Paracel Islands. (Photo: China Daily)

Paracel Islands consist of about 40 small islands, sand dunes and coral reefs. In the past, many merchant ships were hit by reefs and wrecked on their way to Southeast Asia, India or the Middle East, creating a rich treasure trove of undersea objects.

Hoang Sa archipelago belongs to Da Nang city of Vietnam. The islands are located in the South China Sea, where there are many natural resources and an important trade route of the world. Last month, China established the so-called "Sansha City" with the ambition to manage both the Paracel and Spratly Islands of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman issued a statement protesting the establishment of Tam Sa as well as the Chinese Central Military Commission decided to establish the 'Military Command Agency' of the so-called 'Tam Sa city'. , based on Phu Lam Island in the Paracel Islands, and the Chinese elections for delegates of the First People's Congress of 'Tam Sa City'.