BEIJING - A four-ship fleet of the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Friday patrolled territorial waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands, according to a statement from the State Oceanic Administration (SOA).

The vessels on duty consisted of the CCG 2350, 2101, 2166 and 2506, the SOA said.

CCG, which merges the maritime law enforcement functions of four agencies responsible for fishery administration, maritime surveillance, customs enforcement and border control, formally unveiled its board in July.