PLA conducts combat readiness patrols around China's Huangyan Dao

Naval and air units of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command (STC) on Friday conducted combat readiness patrols in the territorial sea and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas.

"This is a necessary countermeasure in response to the Philippines' rights violation and provocative acts," the theater command said in a statement.

Noting that Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory, the STC said since the start of October, its forces have strengthened readiness patrols in the territorial sea and airspace of Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas.

The patrols are aimed at further enhancing control and management over relevant waters and airspace and serve as an effective countermeasure to cope with all sorts of rights violations and provocative acts, according to the statement.

"Forces of the STC will resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and security and firmly uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea," it said.

Also on Friday, the China Coast Guard conducted law enforcement patrols near Huangyan Dao, which it also said was a necessary countermeasure in response to the Philippines' rights violation and provocative acts.