China bolsters law enforcement and military patrols around Huangyan Island

China's military and maritime enforcement agencies have stepped up patrols near the Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, according to official statements released on Saturday.

The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced that it organized its naval and air forces for a "combat readiness patrol" on Saturday. These patrols were conducted within the territorial waters and airspace of China's Huangyan Island and surrounding areas, the command stated.

The Southern Theater Command, which oversees a vast area of the South China Sea, further noted that since the start of November, its forces have "continuously strengthened patrol and vigilance in the sea and air space around the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Island".

Simultaneously, the China Coast Guard reported conducting its own "law enforcement patrol and inspection" on Saturday in the same vicinity.

It said coast guard ships would continue tracking, warning and driving away what it considers illegal intruders — including foreign boats and aircraft — to protect China's maritime rights.

The CCG stated it has been "continuously strengthening law enforcement patrols and inspections" since November.

It said coast guard ships would continue tracking, warning and driving away what it considers illegal intruders — including foreign boats and aircraft — to protect China's maritime rights.

The actions by both the military and the coast guard are aimed at "further strengthening control over the relevant sea and air space", according to the statements.