Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols in South China Sea

BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military conducted joint sea-air combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea from Friday to Saturday to maintain peace and stability in the area, according to a statement by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command.

"Any military activity that stirs up trouble in the South China Sea is within our control," the statement read.