China will offer its first regular civilian cruises to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea by 2020, state media said on Wednesday – a move that is likely to irk other claimants to the disputed waters.
Beijing’s activities in the contested area, such as building artificial islands, airfields and other military facilities, have fuelled tensions in Southeast Asia, although it says that most of the construction is for civilian purposes.
The island province of Hainan will operate regular trips to the Spratlys, which China calls the Nansha Islands, in response to increasing demand, the official China Daily newspaper said, citing provincial authorities.
The province plans a pan-South China Sea cruise line and cruise-trips business covering countries along the Maritime Silk Road
China Daily report
“The province plans a pan-South China Sea cruise line and cruise-trips business covering countries along the Maritime Silk Road,” it added, referring to President Xi Jinping’s initiative to boost investment and trade links.
