China will begin operating regular cruise ship visits to the disputed Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea before 2020, state media reported Wednesday — a move likely to exacerbate already frayed ties with other claimants to the waters.
In a report citing a document released by the government in China's southernmost Hainan province, the China Daily newspaper quoted a plan by the provincial government to accelerate the building of tourism infrastructure on the islets.
China has stoked concern among nations in Southeast Asia with its activities in the waters, including the building of man-made islands, airfields and other military-grade facilities.