China to continue to step up patrols in South China Sea

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-25-2009 08:54

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The largest ship in China's Fishery Administration has not found any trespassing vessels since it began patrolling the Xisha Islands. The local Fishery Administration Bureau said it will continue to step up patrols in China's exclusive South China Sea economic zones.

China's largest fishery administration vessel, China Yuzheng 311, arrives in the Xisha Islands March 17, 2009. The vessel will patrol the South China Sea.(Xinhua Photo)

China's largest fishery administration vessel "China Yuzheng 311" is carrying out a joint patrol with two other vessels.

Stepped-up patrols in the waters off the Xisha Islands offers area fishermen powerful protection for their interests and safety.

Fishing violations by neighboring countries have been on the rise in recent years.

But despite temperatures of nearly 30 degrees Celsius, the 311 crew was well-trained, ready, and in good spirits.

Next year, a 2,500 ton ship will join the patrol force, and this ship will be equipped with helicopter.

In total, there are now 77 administration ships patrolling the South China Sea. Even so, the patrols are still stretched thin to cover China's vast territorial waters.

Editor:Zhang Ning