China has 104 vessels on scene

China has deployed 18 State vessels, 66 merchant ships, 20 fishing boats and covered 1.3 million square km in the search, which has lasted more than 50 days, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a news briefing on Monday.

China has also used 21 satellites in the operation, he said.

The country greatly appreciates the large amount of work Australia has done, Qin said.