Marine patrol ships start coast guard mission in South China Sea

Staff members examine the helicopter carried by marine patrol ship "Haixun 31" before it sails out of the port of Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 28, 2013. A formation of three marine patrol ships "Haixun 21", "Haixun 31" and "Haixun 166" started their coast guard mission in South China Sea on Thursday, a second one by the national Maritime Safety Administration at this water area in 2013. The first mission was conducted from Jan. 15, 2013 to Jan. 17, 2013. (Xinhua/Hou Jiansen)

Marine patrol ship "Haixun 31" sails out of the port of Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 28, 2013. A formation of three marine patrol ships "Haixun 21", "Haixun 31" and "Haixun 166" started their coast guard mission in South China Sea on Thursday, a second one by the national Maritime Safety Administration at this water area in 2013. The first mission was conducted from Jan. 15, 2013 to Jan. 17, 2013. (Xinhua/Hou Jiansen)