The administrative service center of the Sansha Municipal Public Security Bureau recently began operation on Yongxing Island, China News Service reported on Aug. 4. The center offers 24-hour service to people living in the southernmost city of China.

According to an employee, the current primary task of the organization is to register residence permits for local citizens. The center's future business will also include permits for commuting between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macau, the employee added.

Feng Wenhai, deputy mayor of Sansha, said that the administrative service center is not only a result of administrative reform, but also a move to safeguard China's sovereignty over the South China Sea.

After its opening ceremony, the center issued the first batch of residence permits for citizens living on the island.