Chinese ships patrolling near Diaoyu Islands

A Chinese marine surveillance fleet made up of the ships Haijian 51, Haijian 23 and Haijian 46 is patrolling waters near the Diaoyu Islands, the State Oceanic Administration said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the SOA said the fleet has declared the Chinese government's stance regarding the Diaoyu Islands to Japanese ships that illegally entered the waters and asked them to leave immediately.

Law enforcement staff said the Japanese ships illegally entered the waters and took video and photos of the illegal behavior, the statement said.

China has carried out consistent patrols in waters near Diaoyu Islands since September, when Tokyo released its plan to nationalize three of the islets.