A Chinese patrol team has arrived at the Nansha Islands in order to conduct closer observations. It's all part of their ongoing mission in the South China Sea.

The team, consisting of four China Marine Surveillance ships, reached the area on Tuesday morning when radar readings suggested the presence of a foreign fishing vessel nearby.

The patrol vessels immediately broadcast a statement in Chinese, English and Vietnamese proclaiming Chinese sovereignty of the Xisha Islands and Nansha Islands.

Since setting-off from south China's coastal city of Sanya on June 26th, the team has sailed more than 2,000 nautical miles.