PLA conducts combat-readiness patrols near Huangyan Island

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command deployed naval and air forces on Wednesday to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace of China's Huangyan Island and its surrounding areas.

The theater command reiterated on Wednesday that Huangyan Island is an inherent part of China's territory.

Since September, the theater command has continuously deployed naval and air forces to step up patrols and vigilance in the waters and airspace around Huangyan Island.

The deployments are aimed at further strengthening control over relevant maritime and aerial areas, effectively responding to various acts of infringement and provocation, safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, the command said.

In addition, the China Coast Guard conducted law-enforcement patrols in the territorial waters of Huangyan Island and its surrounding areas.

The CCG said it has strengthened law-enforcement patrols in the area since September and regulated ships involved in illegal activities that infringe upon rights and interests in accordance with laws and regulations.

The patrols are intended to further strengthen the orderly management of relevant waters and safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the CCG said.