A fleet of Chinese marine surveillance ships continued a regular patrol in waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands on Sunday.

The Haijian 50, Haijian 51, Haijian 66 and Haijian 137 spotted Japanese ships following them during the patrol.

Crew members on the Haijian 137 broadcast a statement in Chinese and English to warn the Japanese ships that they had infringed on China's territory and demanded that the Japanese ships immediately leave, according to the fleet.

The fleet's crew members also extended Lunar New Year greetings to Chinese as they celebrate the ongoing Spring Festival holiday.

The patrol was the first to take place during the holiday.