The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army organized naval and air forces to conduct routine patrols in the South China Sea on Wednesday and Thursday, the theater command said in a press release on Wednesday night.

The troops of the theater remain on high alert at all times, resolutely defending national sovereignty, security, and maritime rights and interests, it said, adding that any military activities that cause disturbances and create hot spots in the South China Sea are fully under control.