The aerial view of China's Huangyan Dao Photo: Courtesy of South China Institute of Environmental Sciences under China Ministry of Ecology and Environment

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Thursday organized naval and air forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in sea and air spaces around Chinese territorial waters off Huangyan Dao, the PLA Southern Theater Command announced in a statement on Thursday.

The troops have continuously enhanced alert patrols in the region since November to strengthen control and management of relevant area, resolutely defend national sovereignty security, and firmly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, the PLA Southern Theater Command said.

Global Times