China to expand ocean surveillance fleet to safeguard maritime rights
By ANIThursday, October 28, 2010
BEIJING - China’s ocean watchdog has said that the surveillance fleet would be expanded to better protect the country’s maritime rights.
According to a State Oceanic Administration (SOA) official, an inspection ship -China Marine Surveillance 75- joined the fleet on Tuesday, and will patrol the South China Sea.
Zhong Dusen, captain of China Marine Surveillance 75, said that the ship can carry a crew of 43 and has a maximum sailing range of 5,000 nautical miles.
He also informed that the ship is equipped with advanced satellite communication and navigation systems, the China Daily reports.
Li Lixin, Director of the South China Sea Branch under the SOA, said that China is strengthening its monitoring ability, and will build more surveillance ships.
According to reports, 36 ships, comprising of seven 1,500-ton vessels and 15 1,000-ton vessels, will join the inspection ship later. (ANI)
