Chinese surveillance ships, helicopter patrol Xisha Islands

The Haijian B-7103 helicopter takes off from a Chinese marine surveillance ship in the South China Sea, March 10, 2013. A China Marine Surveillance (CMS) detachment on Sunday started a joint ship-helicopter patrol of the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. Three CMS ships -- the Haijian 83, Haijian 262 and Haijian 263 -- departed from the port of Sansha City at 9 a.m. and will be joined by the Haijian B-7103 helicopter as they patrol the waters for nine days, said Zhang Weijian, the on-site director of the mission. (Xinhua/Wei Hua)