May 31 — China’s PLA South Theater Command deployed naval and air forces for
combat-readiness patrols in the territorial waters, airspace and adjacent
sea/air areas around Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal). The command said
patrols have been intensified since May to deter incursions, reiterated that
Huangyan Island is Chinese territory, and framed the operations as protecting
sovereignty and maintaining South China Sea stability.