Nation safeguards S. China Sea routes

China has been contributing to the freedom and safety of navigation in the South China Sea, researchers conclude in a new report.

According to the 2017 Report on Navigation in the South China Sea, China's regular patrols and administration of the sea have safeguarded civilian ships' passage through the region.

In March last year, 7,909 vessels and in the following June, 7,502 vessels sailed through the South China Sea, roughly the same numbers as in the previous year. These vessels, most of which weighed more than 30,000 metric tons, navigated safely through the sea, according to the report.