Chinese ships return from S China Sea patrols

A Chinese patrol team returned to Guangzhou on Sunday after covering 2,800 nautical miles in the South China Sea to carry out regular observation and patrol operations.

The team, consisting of four China Marine Surveillance ships, patrolled dozens of islets and reefs in the South China Sea and conducted a formation practice near the Nansha and Zhongsha Islands in adverse weather conditions.

The vessels reached as far as 47.5 degrees north latitude and 108.35 degrees east longitude since its departure from south China's coastal city of Sanya on June 26, said Wang Yun, captain of Haijian 83.

The China Marine Surveillance ships are under the administration of the State Oceanic Administration. They have performed regular patrols and law-enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction since 2006.