BEIJING - Chinese marine surveillance ships continued their regular patrols in waters surrounding the territorial Diaoyu Islands on Monday, the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) said.

A fleet consisting of four ships, the Haijian 51, Haijian 23, Haijian 49 and Haijian 5001, carried out the mission, according to the SOA.

During the patrol, the Chinese fleet spotted and monitored Japanese vessels that were illegally sailing in the area. They collected evidence on the Japanese ships and took law enforcement measures.