China/South China Sea: China Eyes New Cruise Link to Disputed South China Sea Islands

Jul 27, 2015 | Reuters
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Chinese authorities plan to start a second cruise ship link to the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, state media reported on Monday, in a move that may irk Vietnam, which also claims the islets. China began cruises on the Coconut Princess on a trial basis from the southern island province of Hainan in 2013. More than 10,000 tourists have taken the trip so far, the official China Daily reported. Officials hope a second ship will be in operation before the end of the year, and that more islands can be opened up for visits, the report said.