The State Council approved a list of protection zones for underwater relics from two shipwrecks in the South China Sea, according to an official reply released on May 10.

The two protection zones include the Northwest Continental Slope No 1, of 20.16 square kilometers, and No 2 of 15.6 square kilometers, whose relics are from the Ming Dynasty, according to the reply.

The reply said that relevant authorities should scientifically form protection plans, and clarify specific steps for protection work, while intensifying law enforcement cooperation to ensure their security.