To secure its maritime interests, China has improved coordination between its military and its government bodies that enforce laws, the Defense Ministry's think tank said in a report Wednesday.
The report by the National Institute for Defense Studies noted "a clear pattern of collaboration" between the People's Liberation Army and Chinese government departments in the field of maritime security, referring to joint drills and exercises between the PLA and maritime law enforcement agencies.
The institute's 2012 China Security Report said the Chinese military is likely to be deployed to missions on the sea to protect China's rights in support of the maritime law-enforcement agencies if neighboring countries send military forces to disputed areas.