COSCO to Roll out Cruise to Xisha Islands

The first route is expected to travel from Sanya to the Yongle Island, part of the Xisha Islands in Hainan province.

Its part of Beijing’s plans to transform several islands in the disputed waterway into tourist destinations to bolster its territorial claims.

"It is practical to stimulate the local economy through development of tourism, logistics and infrastructure facilities," Xu Lirong, chairman of COSCO Shipping, said.

China COSCO Shipping signed a contract with China National Travel Service (HK) Group Corp and China Communications Construction Co Ltd in late April, to jointly establish a cruise company to offer tourism services in the South China Sea.