China will build and deploy seven law-enforcing vessels for its coast guard operations in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zones in the coming three years.

The information was revealed in a program for the development of the country's oceanic industry conducted by the State Oceanic Administration on Thursday.

According to the program, China will build a law-enforcing vessel of 3,000 tonnage that carries a Z9A domestic-made helicopter. The vessel is expected to largely improve its aerial ability of law enforcement in domestic waters.

Other vessels include two 1,500 tonnage supervisory ships and four of a 1,000 tonnage, all of which are regarded to constitute three-dimensional and all-weather supervision for oceanic law enforcement.

Two land-based helicopters will also be built and deployed.

The vessels will improve the abilities of finding, identifying, tracking and catching suspected targets on the water and provide effective administration in areas where illegal infringements frequently occur, said the program.

China will also intensify its oceanic law enforcement by improving its ability to escort civilian commercial ships and fishing vessels along sea routes and in patrolling for oceanic environmental protection, it said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2008)