Chinese fishing boats arrive at Nansha

A fleet of 32 Chinese fishing boats has arrived in waters off Nansha Islands in the South China Sea, after a 7-day voyage. The boats are expected to start operation from Monday.

The fleet will stay around the Islands for 40 days. Among the fishing vessels are a supply ship with a loaded displacement of 4,000 tons, and a transporter ship with a displacement of 1,500 tons. The vessels are equipped with all-weather communication devices and will be under unified command.

An official from the Hainan provincial fisheries administration says the operation aims to develop a business model that allows fishermen to catch fish around the Nansha Islands on a regular basis.