Amid the escalation of tensions between China and other claimant countries in the disputed South China Sea, Beijing has announced that it will develop islands and reefs in the Paracel islands to boost tourism in the area.

Xiao Jie, administrator of the islands in the Paracels, said the remote and romantic islands will cater to tourists who wish to hold special, memorable events there like a wedding or spend a fun vacation diving and windsurfing.

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"If you crave diving and windsurfing, we have just the spot for you," Xiao told the state-run newspaper, China Daily.

Paracels, a group of islands on the western side of the South China Sea (also being claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam), is perfect for tourism, watersports, and romantic getaways, said Xiao.

Tourists

"We will develop some islands and reefs to accommodate a select number of tourists," Xiao said in the article published last Friday.

Xiao, mayor of Sansha City on the Woody Island, the biggest island of the Paracels, exercises supervision of a community of 1,500 residents. The island is a bustling city complete with a school, a court, and a police station.

The mayor also exercises jurisdiction of the other islands in the Paracels as well as in the Spratly group of islands.

Already, three islands open for tourism business in the Paracels, said Xiao.

A tourism agent at Hainan Tourism Travel Agency said the three specks of islands--Yinfu, Quanfu, and Yagong-- have become popular among newlyweds who want tropical-themed photographs but can not afford other expensive locations like Hawaii and Bali.

Cruise

"A five-day cruise aboard a boat that stops at the three tiny islands is way, way cheaper than those offered by more popular destinations like the Maldives and Hawaii," he said,

Xiao said the beaches of the three islands are much more pristine compared to the overdeveloped and commercialized beaches in Southern China.

He added that the islands and reefs that would be developed will be those that have no military installations on them.

Xiao said that going on a tour to these islands will help to imbibe patriotism in the Chinese tourists by knowing the beauty and value of their country.

Only tourists carrying Chinese passports will be allowed to take the cruise, Xiao added.

TagsParacels islands, South China Sea, tourism industry, Sansha City, Vietnam, china