China Conducts Combat Readiness Patrols in South China Sea to Safeguard Sovereignty

China's Military Conducts Combat Readiness Patrols in South China Sea

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted combat readiness patrols on Sunday in the territorial waters, airspace, and surrounding areas of China's Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. This marks the third such operation conducted by the Chinese military near the island.

The Southern Theater Command announced the operation in a statement, emphasizing its purpose to strengthen patrols and vigilance around the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island. This effort aims to enhance control over the relevant maritime and airspace areas, safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Professor Liu Lin, an expert in international strategy, explained that combat readiness patrols are conducted in a state of combat preparation, exceeding the level of regular patrols. These patrols involve maintaining front-line and rear forces, including command, communication, firepower, and reconnaissance systems, in a state of readiness for combat. They are conducted to respond to any potential emergencies.

The patrols come in response to recent provocations by the Philippines around the maritime and airspace areas of Huangyan Island. The Philippines has attempted to unlawfully include China's Huangyan Island and most of the islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands, along with related waters, in its maritime zones.

The Chinese government has released baselines for the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Island in accordance with international law. The PLA's combat readiness patrols are intended to enhance control over the maritime and airspace areas of Huangyan Island, which is deemed necessary and urgent in light of the Philippines' actions.

The China Coast Guard has reported three attempts by the Philippines to intrude into the maritime and airspace around Huangyan Island using aircraft or government vessels since October. The Chinese Defense Ministry has responded to these actions, emphasizing China's indisputable sovereignty over South China Sea islands and its adjacent waters.

The ministry has also stressed that the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines have nothing to do with the size of countries, but the merits of fact matter. The ministry urges the Philippine side to change course and return to the right track of resolving issues through negotiation and consultation.