ABSTRACT
Chinese ancestors who lived in Xisha and Nansha islands brought most of their necessities from China's mainland, including copper coins cast in various dynasties, many of which were unearthed later on. Chinese merchant ships and fishing boats traveled frequently to and from Xisha and Nansha islands, some of which unfortunately sank during the voyage, leaving the wreckage and a large number of loaded relics under water. The sites and relics discovered on Xisha and Nansha are true evidence that Chinese people first conducted development and administration on them. These discoveries, together with the Chinese historical records, fully justify that fact Chinese people are the earliest developers and administrators of Xisha and Nansha Islands.
