The People's Liberation Army conducted combat readiness patrols on Friday in the territorial waters, airspace, and surrounding areas of China's Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, the PLA Southern Theater Command said in a statement on Saturday.

Since January, the forces of the theater command have continuously strengthened patrols and vigilance in the waters and airspace surrounding the Huangyan Island, further enhancing control measures in these areas, resolutely defending national sovereignty and security, and firmly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region, it said.