Center set up to study fishermen's guidebooks

China opened a research center in Hainan province on Wednesday to ensure that the knowledge contained in genglubu, books Chinese fisherman have traditionally used for guidance in the South China Sea, is preserved for future generations.

The center, established in Hainan University, will have dozens of professors dedicated to history, law, nature, economy, culture and international relations concerning the South China Sea. Their research is expected to provide convincing proof of China's sovereignty over the sea, adding to the evidence provided by the genglubu, which are to be housed under expert care in the center.

A Hainan University survey has shown that the knowledge in the genglubu is fading as time passes. Most of those familiar with it are now elderly retired sea captains.