Chinese army intensifies combat readiness patrols over Huangyan Dao

The Chinese army has stepped up combat readiness patrols in the surrounding areas of and airspace over the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao since September, an official statement announced on Wednesday.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said that naval and air forces have been deployed to reinforce patrols and vigilance, further strengthen control and management of relevant areas, and effectively counter unlawful infringements and provocations.

The move aims to firmly safeguard China's sovereignty and security while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, it added.

Chinese army intensifies combat readiness patrols over Huangyan Dao

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for an official visit to China through Saturday.

This visit marks the first trip to China by a Canadian Prime Minister in eight years.

When briefing on the visit of Carney, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said China looks forward to taking this visit as an opportunity to enhance dialogue and communication, increase political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, properly manage differences, address each other's concerns and consolidate the momentum of improvement in China-Canada relations to bring greater benefit for the two peoples.

Canadian PM arrives in Beijing for official visit