Chinese Patrol Boats Arrive Nansha, Chase Vietnamese Vessel

Four China Marine Surveillance ships arrive in disputed territorial waters off the Nansha Islands in the S. China Sea

Patrolling and conducting surveys in the South China sea, the four China Marine Surveillance ships are there to highlight China’s claim of sovereignty and jurisdiction over the disputed waters.

The florilla recently had an unexpeceted encounter. A Vietnamese ship was trying to pass through the Chinese territory at high speed.

Huang Yong, China Marine Surveillance, said he hailed the ship: "Vietnamese vessel. This is China Marine Surveillance Ship Number 83. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the laws of China, this area of water belongs to China. Do not interfere with our operations."

The command ship faced down the intruding vessel, issuing the warning repeatedly in Chinese, English and Vietnamese. The other three Chinese ships supported it by changing formation. Ten minutes later, the Vietnamese ship dropped its speed and turned around.

According to Xinhua this was just one example of the patrol team’s efforts to protect China’s sovereignty in South China sea.