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.
13 Comments
KittyKat
These combat readiness patrols are a necessary response to ongoing provocations from the Philippine government.
BuggaBoom
Instead of building up its military, China would be better served focusing on improving the lives of its own citizens.
Loubianka
Professor Liu is absolutely right - these patrols are necessary to maintain preparedness for emergencies.
BuggaBoom
This blatant disregard for the territorial claims of other nations undermines any chance for regional stability.
ZmeeLove
Professor Liu sounds more like a war hawk than a scholar. Is this truly necessary?
Coccinella
It's essential for China to defend its maritime claims from illegal incursions like those attempted by the Philippines.
Bella Ciao
China is well within its rights to patrol its territorial waters and airspace around Huangyan Island.
Comandante
It's great to see China taking a strong stance against Philippine aggression in the South China Sea.
Coccinella
The Philippine government needs to stop trying to steal Chinese territory. This is their own fault.
Mariposa
The Chinese navy is doing an excellent job protecting the country's sovereignty and maritime interests.
ZmeeLove
Huangyan Island is clearly disputed territory - why is China acting so aggressive?
Coccinella
What about the environmental impact of these military exercises on the fragile South China Sea ecosystem?
Mariposa
The Philippines should respect international law! China has released baselines for the territory in accordance with it.