A maritime patrol vessel joined the service in the Taiwan Straits on July 11 in Pingtan, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan and a pilot zone designated to facilitate cross-Straits integration.

Haixun 06 is 128 meters long and has a maximum displacement of 6,600 tons. With a top speed of 23 knots, the vessel is capable of cruising up to 10,000 nautical miles, which allows it to cover all waters except the North and South poles.

July 11 marks the 18th China Maritime Day. The date marks the ocean voyages of Zheng He, the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) navigator, who went on seven voyages to Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and East Africa.

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