An expert believes that the expansion of China’s tourism in the disputed Paracel Islands shows the extent of the country’s claim over the territory.
Hainan-based South China Sea specialist Liu Feng told the Global Times how China uses educational and leisure tours along the disputed islands known in Chinese as the Xisha Islands to showcase its civil jurisdiction over the area.
"Promoting tourism in the Xisha Islands reflects our jurisdiction over the waters," Liu declared, adding that the mere process of bringing its citizens and telling them that the area is a property of China has a big impact on the country's territorial bout.
However, he clarified that the promotion of Xisha should still remain central on ecological conservation through legislation, law enforcement and education for the masses.
On Wednesday, China launched a new cruise ship called the Beibu Gulf Star that would bring about 300 tourists every time it sails to the disputed territory.
The new cruise ship is said to be a replacement for the Coconut Princess that have been bringing tourists to and from the islands in the South China Sea.
While the tours are meant to showcase the beauty of the islands, only Chinese citizens are allowed to join, and this will give visitors a chance to experience the islands Yagong and Yinyu, and engage in fishing and diving activities.
"The trips are limited to Chinese citizens," an employee of the China International Travel Agency in Hainan Province told the Global Times.
One interesting thing about the tour is that it always begins with the raising of the Chinese national flag matched with singing of their national anthem, something that is believed to spark patriotism among the tourists.
"It's hard not to feel emotional, seeing the Chinese flag raised and thinking of the struggles gone through to safeguard this land," 30-year-old Chinese tourist Li Qingqing explained to the Straits Times, referring to her visit to Quanfu Island.