minesweepers

The admirals said China's refusal to lend assistance to the minesweepers was a worrisome repudiation of historical principles calling on all nations to assist ships in danger at sea.

海军官员说，中国拒绝给这两艘扫雷艇提供帮助，不符合“当船只在海上航行遇到危险时，所有的国家都应该提供援助”的历史原则。

They expressed greater concern over China's refusal a few days beforehand to allow two minesweepers to enter Hong Kong to seek refuge from a storm.

在小鹰号事件几天之前，中国还拒绝了两艘美军扫雷艇进入香港躲避风暴，美国国防部官员对此表示更为关切。

Two minesweepers are being sent to join the six other naval vessels which are patrolling the coast.

两艘扫雷艇正被派去与沿海岸巡逻的六艘海军舰艇会合。

His immediate concern was the flotilla of minesweepers several miles ahead.

他眼前最关心的是前面几英里的那支扫雷艇小分队。

American military officials said that refusing the minesweepers safe harbor violated international naval custom and law.

美国军方人士说，拒绝扫雷艇安全离港的行为违反了国际海事惯例和法律。

Earlier that week, China refused safe harbor during a storm to two American minesweepers, the USS Patriot and the USS Guardian – in violation of international maritime agreements.

本周早些时候，中国拒绝美国的两艘扫雷艇“爱国者”号和“保护”者号进港避风，这有悖国际军事公约。

American minesweepers are sweeping the Arabian sea.

美国的扫雷舰正在整个阿拉伯海扫雷。