Naval and air units of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command (STC) on Friday conducted combat readiness patrols in the territorial sea and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas.
The patrols serve as a necessary countermeasure against the Philippines' rights-violation and provocative acts, the Command said in a statement.
Since the start of October, forces of the Command have enhanced readiness patrols in the territorial sea and airspace of Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas. Such patrols aim to further enhance control and management over relevant sea areas and airspace, and serve as an effective countermeasure to all sorts of rights-violation and provocative acts, the statement said.
The Command forces will resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and security and firmly uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, it added.
PLA Southern Theater Command patrols around Huangyan Dao
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a new model for China-Germany cooperation based on equality, mutual benefits and strategic stability, as he met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beijing.
At the invitation of Xi, Steinmeier is paying a state visit to China from Tuesday to Saturday, marking his first visit to China since 2018.
During their talks at the Great Hall of the People, Xi extended a warm welcome to Steinmeier, whom he called him a dear old friend of the Chinese people.
"Eight years have passed since your last visit to China, a period during which the international landscape has undergone profound and complex changes. China and Germany have remained true friends who trust each other and excellent partners who help one another succeed," Xi told the German president.
"As the world’s second and third-largest economies, China and Germany bear a significant responsibility for the development of China-Europe relations and the stable growth of the global economy. We should therefore demonstrate the courage to take on responsibilities and lead the way. By strengthening communication and collaboration, the two nations can forge a new model of cooperation—one characterized by equality, mutual benefit, and strategic stability—thereby sending a clear, positive signal to the world that we pursue openness over isolation, and cooperation over confrontation," Xi said.
Steinmeier shared the deep impression that China's rapid development has left on him since he first visited a quarter of a century ago, as he also hailed the country's growing influence in global affairs.
"I first visited China nearly 25 years ago, and I have witnessed its dynamic and rapidly evolving development. This is my eighth visit, and each time I see a China that feels entirely new. In recent years, China’s influence has become increasingly significant, with substantial growth in its economic, technological and political stature—developments for which I have great respect," he said.
Xi calls for creating new model of China-Germany cooperation
