China to conduct survey of geographical names

China will conduct its second survey of geographical names from July of this year to June 2018, said a circular published on the official website of the central government.

The circular said the geographical names survey is conducive to maintaining state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as national defense. It will also help the government improve its governance capabilities.

The survey will check geographical names and related information, give names to geographical entities without names, set up signs with standard geographical names, and establish a national database and archive.

The survey will start on July 1 of this year and end on June 30, 2018, with three phases. Dec. 31, 2014 will be the standard point for the survey.

A dedicated leading group for the survey will be established under the State Council, China's cabinet, the circular added.

China conducted its first geographical names survey in 1983 and 1984.