China also had four warships present: the PLA Navy minesweepers "271", "274", "389" and "396". These were old and small warships with an average length of and width of , and they had not been well-maintained. They were reinforced by two Type 037 submarine chasers ("281" and "282") by the end of the battle. In addition, two PLA marine battalions and an unknown number of irregular militia had been landed on the islands. The 48th Aviation Division of the People's Liberation Army Air Force provided some air support.