China launches website stating "facts" about the country's claims over the South China Sea. (Photo : Getty Images)
China has brought the maritime disputes into another playing field after Beijing launched a website supporting the nation's claims on the coveted South China Sea.
On Wednesday, the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) introduced the world to a website dedicated to supporting and providing "factual" information on China's claims in the South China Sea.
The China Daily reported on the matter and said that the website run by the National Marine Data & Information Service has 10 sections that include news, development and management, law and regulations, expert opinion, a timeline of major events, historical archives, pictures and videos, basic information, and FAQs.
Zhang Haiwen, an official from the SOA who oversees international cooperation, explained that the goal of the website's launch was to help people understand the "truth" about China's highly contested claims.
"The South China Sea has drawn huge attention, but some information online is not accurate. We hope that this website will enable domestic and overseas people to better understand it and learn about the truth behind the 'dispute' over it," Zhang told the outlet.
Meanwhile, CRI English noted that the timing of the website launch was "timely" considering that the international ruling from the Permanent Court in The Hague who handled an arbitration case filed by the Philippines was released less than a month ago.
According to Zhang, the website with the domain name www.thesouthchinasea.org contains only "comprehensive, authoritative, detailed, and accurate" information which is updated every once in a while when they verify it.
"The website is founded with the aim of positively publicizing our policies, claims, historical proof, legal basis and international cooperation while serving as a reliable channel for domestic and overseas government departments, research groups and individuals to learn about the South China Sea," added Shi Qingfeng, a spokesperson from the SOA.
SOA also revealed that the website can be accessed through five other domain names including www.china-nanhai.org.
