A three-ship fleet of the China Coast Guard has patrolled territorial water surrounding the Diaoyu Islands, according to the State Oceanic Administration.

The China Coast Guard was formally unveiled in July, and its functions are to enforce China's maritime law. The major responsibilities of the China Coast Guard are fisheries administration, maritime surveillance, customs enforcement and border control.

The first time the China Coast Guard patrolled waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands was 2 days after it was officially unveiled, replacing 4 ships from the China Maritime Surveillance fleet.