At dawn on Saturday, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command dispatched a task force of naval vessels and fighter jets to conduct combat patrols over the waters and airspace surrounding Huangyan Island in the South China Sea.
The operation, involving radar-guided destroyers, missile-armed corvettes and long-range patrol aircraft, covered several hundred nautical miles of strategic maritime corridors. Through coordinated drills simulating air-sea assault and reconnaissance missions, the PLA showcased its integrated command capabilities and rapid response readiness.
Huangyan Island holds significant strategic value as a key node in regional maritime routes. By maintaining regular patrols, the PLA aims to bolster situational awareness, ensure navigational security and reinforce maritime stability in line with national defense objectives.
Observers note that this patrol marks the latest in a series of routine exercises the PLA has carried out to safeguard sovereignty and secure vital sea lanes. For the global audience tracking shifts in maritime strategy, the operation underscores China’s commitment to a robust maritime posture in the South China Sea.
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PLA conducts combat patrols over Huangyan Island in South China Sea
cgtn.com
