In recent weeks, China's coast guard and military has been conducting patrols in territorial waters, airspace and surrounding areas of Huangyan Island in order to safeguard its national sovereignty and the stability of the South China Sea region.

The Coast Guard said on its official social media account on Wednesday that it has intensified law enforcement patrols in the island's territorial waters and surrounding areas, using warnings and blocking maneuvers to drive away "illegal intrusion and harassment vessels".

Also on Wednesday, the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command said it has deployed naval and air forces to carry out regular patrols around the island, aiming to "strengthen control measures, effectively respond to infringement provocations, and firmly defend national sovereignty and security while safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea region".