South Sea Islands

　　The area from south of the Taiwan Strait to a point near the equator, including Hainan Island, constitutes the South China Sea. The South China Sea was named after its location, which means the sea to the south of China. More specifically, it refers to the area south of Hainan Island. The South China Sea was the starting point of the "Silk Road on the ocean" during the last millennium. In the Han dynasty, silk was shipped to the west. The sea route started from the South China Sea, passed India and Sri Lanka, crossed the northern end of the Red Sea, then finally reached Rome. The famous story about "Cheng Ho going to the West Ocean" recounted how Cheng Ho led a fleet to the South China Sea, and visited the countries there. The West Ocean is called the South China Sea today. Cheng Ho had to pass through the South China Sea every time he sailed. We can understand the importance of the South China Sea from this. It is important in trading, transportation and military affairs.