A four-ship Chinese Navy fleet that has conducted patrol and training missions on the South China Sea over the past eight days reached Zengmu Reef, the southernmost part of China's territory, on Tuesday.

All crew took part in an oath-taking ceremony on board at 8:30 a.m. at the reef, located at 3.58 degrees north latitude and 112.17 degrees east longitude.

In an ceremony, the troops and officials said they are determined to safeguard the country's sovereignty with their services on the South China Sea.

The four ships from the Nanhai Fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy left Sanya in south China's island province Hainan on March 19.

Between March 23 and 25, the fleet patrolled the islets and reefs of the Nansha Islands.

It will now head for the western Pacific Ocean via the Bashi Channel to continue high-sea training.