Sentries meet the rising sun on Shidao Islet, affiliated to the Xisha Islands, in the South China Sea, on May 24, 2013. Navy Troops engage in training activities to defend the country's marine territory, preparing defensive battle plan for protection of the islands under a variety of complex conditions. [Photo/Xinhua]

Sentries make a pledge to the national flag on Yongxing Islet, the biggest island of the Xisha Islands group, in the South China Sea, on May 26, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]