On Oct. 30 the PLA Southern Theater deployed naval and air units for readiness
patrols in the territorial waters, airspace and adjacent sea/air areas around
Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal). The operation was described as a necessary
countermeasure to Philippine infringement and provocation. The theater said it
has stepped up maritime and air patrols around Huangyan Island since October,
tightened control of the relevant sea and airspace, and will continue measures
to respond to infringements and defend China’s sovereignty and security while
maintaining stability in the South China Sea.
