China Coast Guard steps up patrols to safeguard maritime rights

The Chinese authorities conducted patrols on Saturday around Huangyan Island in the South China Sea to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and maritime rights.

The China Coast Guard announced that its ships carried out patrols within the territorial waters of Huangyan Island and its adjacent areas on Saturday morning. Since May, the CCG has continuously strengthened patrols in these regions.

In accordance with laws and regulations, its forces conducted tracking, monitoring, verbal warnings, interception, and expulsion operations during the patrols to further bolster control over relevant waters, resolutely protecting the nation's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Additionally, on Friday, the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army stated that it organized forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace around Huangyan Island and its adjacent areas. Since May, the command has mobilized its naval and air forces to continuously enhance patrols in the waters and airspace surrounding the island.

These operations have further reinforced control over relevant maritime and airspace, safeguarded national sovereignty and security, and ensured peace and stability in the South China Sea region, the command said in a brief news release.