The People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command organized naval and air forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the sea and airspace surrounding China's Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Thursday, the command said.

In a statement, the command said that since November, its forces have continuously strengthened patrols and vigilance in the sea and airspace around Huangyan Island, further enhancing control over the surrounding areas.

The patrols are aimed at resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and security, as well as maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region, it said.