Overview
- China’s PLA Southern Theater Command said it monitored and tracked a Philippine‑organised joint patrol on Oct 30–31 and labeled the Philippines a “troublemaker.”
- The command stated its forces remain on high alert to defend what it describes as national sovereignty and maritime rights.
- Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States held drills on Oct 30–31, which the US 7th Fleet said demonstrated support for a free and open Indo‑Pacific.
- Washington and Manila announced plans on Oct 31 to create a new joint task force for operations that include the South China Sea.
- Official Chinese statements also reported stepped‑up coast guard and military patrols around Huangyan Dao on Friday, including combat‑readiness operations.