The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army announced that it conducted a combat readiness patrol in territorial waters, airspace and surrounding areas of China's Huangyan Island on Friday.

A command statement said it organized naval and air forces to carry out the patrol, emphasizing that Huangyan Island is an inherent part of China.

Since August, PLA theater command forces have consistently been on patrol in the sea and airspace around the territorial waters of Huangyan Island, further enhancing control measures, the statement noted.

The command added that the patrols were intended as an effective response to infringement provocations, and as a firm defence of national sovereignty and security, as well as being aimed at the maintenance of peace and stability in the South China Sea region.