On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command carried out combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace around Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea.
The operation involved naval vessels and aircraft executing coordinated maneuvers to test response times and operational coordination. By focusing on both sea lanes and air approaches, the PLA is sharpening its readiness in a strategically vital corridor.
The South China Sea is a crossroads for international shipping and resource activities, making security operations here of global interest. The PLA's patrols this weekend highlight the Chinese mainland's emphasis on maintaining vigilance across its maritime periphery.
As regional dynamics continue to evolve, stakeholders from business leaders to policy makers will monitor developments, assessing the implications for trade, security, and diplomacy in one of the world's busiest waterways.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
