Chinese Military and Coast Guard Patrol Huangyan Dao, Stress Sovereignty and Regional Stability

Dragon Media News Desk

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command conducted readiness patrols in the waters and airspace around Huangyan Dao on Wednesday. The China Coast Guard also carried out law-enforcement patrols in the area that day, Global Times reported.

According to a Southern Theater Command statement, naval and air units have intensified readiness patrols around Huangyan Dao since September. The command said the operations aim to strengthen monitoring and control of the relevant waters and airspace and counter activities it described as rights violations and provocations.

The command pledged to safeguard China’s sovereignty and security while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. The Chinese statements described the waters and airspace concerned as China’s territorial sea and airspace.

In a separate statement, the China Coast Guard said it had stepped up law-enforcement patrols and regulated vessels allegedly involved in unlawful activities infringing China’s rights. It said the patrols were intended to strengthen orderly management of the waters and protect China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests.

The operations followed joint naval-air training conducted by the Southern Theater Command around Huangyan Dao on Sunday. The coast guard also held exercises involving law enforcement, management and control in nearby waters.

Analysts cited by Global Times said the military and coast guard activities conveyed a deterrent message against actions undermining China’s sovereignty and maritime interests. In their assessment, the exercises also reflected China’s commitment to maintaining regional maritime stability.