Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels are maintaining near-constant patrols in waters that are claimed by Malaysia, according to a report.

The report - which tracked ship movements near Luconia Shoals from Dec 30 last year to Feb 26 this year - said at least three CCG vessels and one Royal Malaysian Navy vessel had patrolled the area over the period.

It said the CCG ship Zhongguo Haijing 3306 was on patrol until at least Jan 6. From Jan 12 until around Feb 3, it was replaced by the Zhongguo Haijing 3501. The Zhongguo Haijing 3402 patrolled the area from Feb 15 onwards...