Chinese marine surveillance fleet – Haijian 66, 46 and 26 – is patrolling waters near Diaoyu Islands on Thursday, according to a statement released by the State Oceanic Administration.

China’s Ocean Development Report 2013 said the possibility of conflict between China and Japan over the Diaoyu Islands is increasing.

China has carried out consistent patrols in waters near the islands since September when Tokyo nationalized three of the islands. The State Oceanic Administration has been releasing updates on the patrols since then.