Chinese cruise ship to operate in disputed area of South China Sea
Vessel embarks on maiden voyage to the Paracel Islands, also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan, state media report
A new Chinese cruise ship has embarked on its maiden voyage to the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, the state news agency Xinhua said on Friday, the latest effort by Beijing to bolster its claims in the strategic waterway.
The Changle Princess sailed from Sanya on the southern Chinese island province of Hainan on Thursday afternoon with 308 passengers on a four-day voyage, Xinhua said.
The new ship can carry 499 people and has 82 guest rooms with dining, entertainment, shopping, medical and postal services on board, it added.
Tourists will be able to visit the three islands in the Crescent group of the Paracels.
China has previously said it plans to build hotels, villas and shops on the Crescent group and has also stated that it wants to build Maldives-style resorts around the South China Sea, although it is unclear if foreigners will ever be allowed to visit.