The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command on Thursday organized joint air and naval forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island, as well as surrounding maritime and aerial areas in the South China Sea.

Huangyan Island is China's inherent territory. Since the beginning of April, forces under the theater command have continuously strengthened patrols and vigilance in the waters and airspace around the island, effectively responding to various acts of infringement and provocation.

The operations, according to the Southern Theater Command, are aimed at resolutely safeguarding China's national sovereignty and security, while firmly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.