The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) command has put troops on alert to patrol the waters of the disputed Huangyan (Scarborough) Reef in the South China Sea. TASS reports this with reference to the PLA’s Southern Combat Command Zone.
According to the information, in addition to the naval forces, the air force participates in the patrolling.
On November 10, the Chinese Foreign Ministry protested the maritime zone law adopted by the Philippines.
This document substantiates Manila’s “exclusive right” to extract energy resources at a distance of 370 kilometers from the country’s coast.
China said this seriously violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. On this basis, Beijing made a serious claim to the Philippines and the Chinese Coast Guard Administration promised to strengthen patrols near Huangyan Reef.