evidence: Liu Guchang, the Chinese ambassador to Russia, announced that the demarcation of borders for the Heixiazi Island (Bol’shoi Ussuriiskiy Island) is complete and the island will be officially returned to the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) jurisdiction by the end of 2008 (China Times, March 10). [...] Liu said that what China intends to do with the island after it is under the PRC’s jurisdiction is something that Beijing is carefully considering, however, China will not heavily garrison the island, nor will either side make any significant arrangements without due considerations for the other party. Liu’s comments were meant to dispel unconfirmed reports that surfaced last year that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is planning to fortify the area (China Review News, April 13, 2007). There were also reports that China is planning to turn the area into a port for border trade, and there may be a need for border patrols. Feasibility studies to turn the area into a free trade zone were reportedly complete, and Singapore was invited to participate to offer technical advice and development of the area (China Review News, April 13, 2007). Currently, the planning and development of Heixiazi Island is the responsibility of the Jiamusi city government in Heilongjiang province. Liu revealed that China and Russia are currently finalizing mapping and survey data information, and the borders will be officially set up by the end of the year.