PLA, Coast Guard patrol around Huangyan Island

The People's Liberation Army and China Coast Guard conducted patrols in the territorial waters and airspace surrounding Huangyan Island on Thursday.

A statement issued by PLA Southern Theater Command on Thursday night said that it organized naval and air forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island and its surrounding areas.

Since July, the theater command forces have continuously strengthened patrols and vigilance in the sea and airspace surrounding the territorial waters of Huangyan Island, effectively responding to various acts of infringement and provocation, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and firmly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region, it said.

On the same day, the China Coast Guard conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters of Huangyan Island and surrounding areas.

Since July, it also strengthened law enforcement patrols in the areas, taking necessary measures such as verbal warnings, interception and control, and spraying water cannon to drive away illegal infringing and harassing vessels. It further reinforced the management and control of the relevant sea areas, resolutely safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the CCG said in its statement.