The Ministry says the escort protection is free, but ships need to apply for the protection 7 days ahead of time to the China Shipowners' Association, which will then apply for approval to the Ministry of Transport. So far 15 applications have been received.

Zhang Shouguo, the Water Transport Director of Ministry of Transport, said, "Companies in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may apply for the escort to the Hong Kong Marine Department, which in turn contacts the Ministry of Transport, while those in Taiwan may apply to the Strait Exchange Foundation, and the SEF will communicate with the mainland's Association for Relation Across the Taiwan Strait."

(CCTV January 8, 2009)