China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command announced routine naval and air patrols in the South China Sea amid escalating clashes in the disputed region. The patrols, scheduled from January 3 to 4, lack specific details on locations or objectives. Beijing claims most of the sea despite an international tribunal dismissing its claims. China patrols the area, utilizing militarized artificial islands to bolster its territorial assertions. The statement emphasized maintaining high alertness to defend sovereignty and maritime rights, warning against activities disrupting the area.
