A China Coast Guard vessel sets course for Diaoyu Dao on its first patrol mission of 2026. The journey offers a rare look at routine operations in one of the East China Sea's most closely watched waters. From long hours at sea to encounters with foreign vessels, see what it takes to conduct routine patrols far from shore. 

Watch Diaoyu Dao: Small Islands, Big Stakes. Premieres July 27 on CGTN.