A FULL-STRENGTH Chelsea squad will tour China next year as part of its long-term plans to forge links with the world’s most populous nation.

The announcement Monday culminated Chelsea’s hosting of China’s Olympic team over the past fortnight on a tour marred by a mass brawl in a match against Queens Park Rangers.

Chelsea’s business affairs director Paul Smith said the Premier League champion was committed to helping China develop its soccer and would tour in the year Beijing hosts the Olympics.

“We will be taking our first team and playing games on the mainland,” Smith said.

He added that while Chelsea wanted to forge links between the club and China, it would also aid development of the Chinese game.

“This is a long term project and Team China is a work in progress. Hopefully we are witnessing the development of the team day-by-day.”

Chelsea is in partnership with the Chinese Football Association to train grassroots players.

Last month, it signed an agreement with top Chinese Internet portal Sina.com to become the first premiership club to set up a Web site in Chinese run from China.

Chelsea’s involvement in Asia is part of chief executive Peter Kenyon’s plan launched in 2004 to make his club the world’s more recognizable brand in soccer within 10 years.

It started with a huge shirt sponsorship deal with South Korean conglomerate Samsung in 2005.

China manager Li Xiaoguang said his side had learned a lot from its time with Chelsea.

“As we have had the chance to train in Chelsea Football Club, our players have had the chance to broaden their horizons and improve their levels.

“We have laid a wonderful foundation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,” Li said.(SD-Agencies)