Chinese patrol ships continue mission in Nansha Islands

A Chinese patrol team continued observing the Nansha Islands on Wednesday as part of a patrol mission in the South China Sea.

The team, consisting of four China Marine Surveillance ships, is patrolling islands and shoals within 1 nautical mile of the island group to conduct close observation.

The team reached the center of the island group on Tuesday, when radar suggested the presence of a foreign vessel nearby. The patrol ships broadcast a statement to remind nearby vessels of China's sovereignty over the Xisha and Nansha Islands.

The team has sailed more than 2,200 nautical miles since departing from south China's coastal city of Sanya on June 26.