China's State Council on Wednesday approved the establishment of the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve, aiming to protect the diversity, stability and sustainability of the natural ecosystems of Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea.

The State Council has instructed relevant departments to strictly implement the country's regulations on nature reserves and protected areas.

It calls for strengthened enforcement and supervision against all forms of illegal and noncompliant behavior, as well as continuous improvements in the construction and management of national nature reserves.

The area, boundaries and zoning functions of the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve will be announced later by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.