Military authorities are considering establishing a presence in the city of Sansha, a Ministry of Defense spokesman said Thursday.

Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said during a regular press conference that China may set up local military command organs in the city according to relevant regulations.

The State Council, or China's cabinet, has approved the establishment of the prefectural-level city of Sansha to administer the Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha island groups and their surrounding waters in the South China Sea, while the government seat will be stationed on Yongxing Island, part of the Xisha Islands, according to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The council has abolished a county-level administration office for the islands that was previously stationed on Yongxing Island.