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 Friday organized naval and air forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the maritime and airspace surrounding territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao, according to the theater command. 

Huangyan Dao is an inherent part of China's territory. Since August, the theater command forces have continuously strengthened patrols and vigilance in the maritime and airspace surrounding Huangyan Dao's territorial waters, further intensifying control measures to effectively counter infringements and provocations, which resolutely defends national sovereignty and security while steadfastly safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Also on Friday, China Coast Guard (CCG) conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas. Since August, the CCG has continuously strengthened law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas, carrying out tracking surveillance, verbal warnings, and interception and expulsion in accordance with laws and regulations. 

This has further enhanced control over the relevant waters and resolutely safeguarded national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, according to CCG.

Global Times