China to let tourists visit disputed South China Sea islets

This month, China will start allowing tourists to Paracel islands, one of a group of disputed islets and reefs in the South China Sea.  This move will probably create tension between Vietnam which also claims the islands.  A cruise ship that can accommodate nearly 2,000 passengers is about to sail to the Paracels, and another cruise ship is now under construction.  China has taken full control of Paracel islands after a collision with South Vietnam in 1974, and Taiwan also claims the islands.  China claims almost all the islands and reefs of oil and gas- rich South China Sea, which has provoked disputes with its neighbors such as Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Japan

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/07/us-china-seas-tourism-idUSBRE93601720130407

Honami Nabeshima