Naval and air units of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command (STC) on Wednesday conducted combat readiness patrols in the territorial sea and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas, according to the STC.
The STC said in a statement that Huangyan Dao is part of China's inherent territory, and that the theater command's forces have strengthened readiness patrols in relevant areas since August.
The statement said the patrols aim to further enhance control of relevant sea areas and airspace, and serve as an effective countermeasure to all sorts of rights-violation and provocative acts.
The STC forces will resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and security and firmly uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, it added.
PLA conducts combat readiness patrols around Huangyan Dao
China's envoy told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that dialogue and negotiations remain the only path to resolving the Ukraine crisis, noting that the protracted conflict continues to intensify and leads to mounting civilian casualties.
Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, called on the parties concerned and the international community to work together for an early ceasefire and a political settlement of the crisis through dialogue and negotiations.
"Dialogue and negotiations are the only way to solve the Ukraine issue. Parties concerned should not give up efforts just because negotiations are difficult, nor should they refuse to engage with each other due to existing differences. Instead, they should remain patient, demonstrate good faith, and strive to get the talks off ground, so as to gradually build mutual trust and consensus. All parties should work together toward a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement," Sun said.
China urges an end to all attacks targeting civilians and calls on the parties concerned to remain calm and restrained, strictly comply with international humanitarian law, protect the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and avoid harming third-party civilians and civilian assets, said Sun.
China also calls on countries in the region and the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts in promoting peace talks, building mutual trust, and conducting mediation, said Sun, adding that China opposes any moves that fan the flames or seek to create division and confrontation.
China is ready to join the international community in making sustained efforts to achieve an early ceasefire, and lasting peace and stability in the region, he said.
Dialogue, negotiations only way to resolve Ukraine issue: Chinese envoy
