In April 1988, with the approval of the First Session of the Seventh National People's Congress, Hainan Island became a province and a special economic zone. Deng Xiaoping showed great concern for its development. On April 28, 1989, having read a report submitted by the Hainan Provincial Party Committee, which proposed to make Yangpu an economic development region, he wrote the following comment: "Having recently learned about conditions there, I think the decision made by the Hainan Provincial Party Committee is correct. This is a golden opportunity that should be seized at once. However, it is essential to make things clear to non-Party people who disagree with the decision. All necessary formalities should be completed quickly."