On Sept. 30 the PLA Southern Theater Command deployed naval and air forces to
conduct combat‑readiness patrols in the territorial waters, airspace and
adjacent sea/air areas around Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal). The command
said it has stepped up patrols since early September and tightened control of
the relevant sea and airspace to counter incursions and provocations and to
firmly defend national sovereignty and security.
