Shanghai (CNS) – China's cutting-edge vessel for marine environmental monitoring, the China Haijian 55, came into service on December 13 in the East China Sea.
The 98 meter long ship boasts a tonnage of 3,980 and comes equipped with helicopters and satellite-controlling devices. It represents state-of-the-art ocean monitoring and is able to sail long-distances.
China claims 3 million square kilometers of territorial waters in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, though the country has been arguing with 8 other countries about possession of certain islands. The sovereignty of Diaoyu Island is the focus of discussions with Japan, and other disputes over the South China Sea involve Vietnam and the Philippines.
China Haijian 55 will patrol 770,000 square kilometers in the East China Sea, confirmed the associated monitoring team with China Marine Environmental Monitoring.
