PLA Air Force conducts routine patrol over Huangyan Island

The Air Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command conducted a routine patrol in the airspace over Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the theater command said.

Li Jianjian, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command Air Force, said in a release that during the routine patrol, the Philippines colluded with extraterritorial countries to organize so-called joint patrols, deliberately undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea region.

The air force units of the theater command have continuously remained on high alert, resolutely defending the national territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests of China, and have full control over any military activities that disrupt the South China Sea, the release said.

On Monday evening, Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command, made remarks regarding the normal passage of a Chinese naval fleet through the Basilan Strait.

Tian said that on Monday, the theater command organized naval and air forces to conduct far-sea exercises via the Basilan Strait.

"The relevant operations were always conducted in a safe, standardized, and professional manner, fully in accordance with international law and international practice," Tian said.

The spokesperson criticized the Philippines for slandering and hyping up the normal passage of the Chinese naval fleet, stressing that the actions of the Philippines severely undermined the normal navigation rights of other countries, including China.