China may boost patrols in South China Sea

China may convert more decommissioned navy ships into fishery patrol vessels, state media said on Thursday, as it seeks to extend its reach over disputed South China Sea islands that straddle key Asian shipping lanes.
The report comes less than two weeks after Chinese boats jostled with a U.S. naval ocean surveillance vessel that Beijing said was conducting an illegal survey in its waters.
China's use of fishery patrol ships, rather than military vessels, helps mark its stance while avoiding direct confrontation with the U.S. or with rival claimants to the resource-rich and strategically important South China Sea.

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