China marine surveillance stretched

Due to China's sovereignty dispute with Japan, China's Marine Surveillance had one of it's busiest years on record in 2012.

Officials say patrols found 35 developments had broken laws related to island protection...While some sailors weren't able to take a break for months.

Relations between Japan and China soured last year, after the Japanese government said it would "buy" part of the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea... Which China insists, are its inherent territory.

Tokyo's move sparked protests from the Chinese government and public.

And that meant the government's focus on these Islands, was stepped up too...

In September 2012, Chinese marine surveillance ships began regular patrols in waters around the Diaoyu Islands.

On Monday, the State Oceanic Administration confirmed a Chinese marine surveillance fleet is still patrolling waters near the islands.

But only a few of the ships, are capable of reaching them.

The China Marine Surveillance began regular patrols near oil and gas projects in China's waters in 2011.

China has also sent vessels to stop developments on islands near its coastal regions that have resulted in illegal land reclamation, theft and environmental damage.

It says 35 developments have broken island protection laws so far last year, resulting in two projects being shut down.

But all this policing, calls for more hands on deck.

The CMS says some sailors weren't able to take turns going on holiday last year - spending as long as four months at sea...

Enforcing China's jurisdiction through wind, rain and hostility.