China's Sansha city has opened up all passages to the inhabited islands of the Xisha archipelago.

A passage around Jinqing Island of the Yongle Islands, part of Xisha, was opened up on Tuesday.

Jiang Weiquan, chief of the Yongle Islands Administrative Committee, said the passage would benefit local residents. "It allows boats to leave or reach the islands at any time."

Boats could sail or dock only when the tide was up before, Jiang explained. "Now, the passage allows boats to leave or reach the islands at any time."

Currently, the passage is only available to yachts and fishing boats, according to Jiang.

Ports and wharfs will be built on the inhabited islands in three years, and large ships with a tonnage of 500 tons will have access to them, Xinhua has reported.