Chinese ships patrol Diaoyu Islands

(Ecns.cn)—China's patrol ships the "Haijian 50" and "Haijian 60" teamed up to patrol waters near Diaoyu Island and its affiliated isles in the early morning of March 16, according to sources with State Oceanic Administration's website Friday morning.

This mission was carried out by China Marine Surveillance, the country's maritime law enforcement authorities, in accordance with Chinese law.

China has indisputable sovereignty over the Diaoyu archipelago; they have been an inherent part of China since ancient times, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin remarked at a press release on Thursday.

Earlier this month, the country released standard names and descriptions for each island, authorized by the State Council, the SOA and the Ministry of Civil Affairs.