"China Sea monitoring 75," China's fastest marine law enforcement vessel joined the South China Sea fleet Tuesday, according to a top official from the State Oceanic Administration (SOA).

The fleet was equipped with "China Sea monitoring B-7112" helicopters, "China Sea monitoring 71" vessels and "China Sea monitoring 83" vessels in 2005, according to Li Lixin, director of the South China Sea branch of the SOA.

"Enhancing the capacity to construct sea monitoring facilities and build law enforcement vessels reinforce the fleet's ability to carry out its duties in the South China Sea and the coastal areas of southern China," Li added.

77.39 meters in length with a beam of 10.4 meters, "China Sea monitoring 75" has a displacement of 1,290 tons. It is powered by twin 2,380 horsepower engines. The ship can carry a crew of 43 crews, reach a speed of 20.6 knots, can cruise for 5,000 nautical miles or 30 days without refueling, and can navigate in all zones, according to the ship's captain Zhong Dusen.

Zhong said the ship is equipped with the most advanced satellite communication and navigation equipment, as well as first-class security and network systems that allow all ship facilities to be monitored, and the ship's engines to be operated, from the wheelhouse. It is the fastest 1,000-ton high-performance public service ship in the country.

To safeguard its maritime rights, China plans to build 36 sea monitoring vessels in the next few years, including seven 1,500-ton ships, fifteen 1,000-ton ships, and fourteen 600-ton ships, Zhong said.

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