Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Chinese Air Force flew over the Nansha and Huangyan Islands in the South China Sea. It was part of combat training to improve readiness against security threats.

A Chinese fighter plane partols over the South China Sea. Chinese Air Force aircraft, including H-6K bombers and Su-30 fighters, have completed a patrol of airspace above the Nansha and Huangyan islands in the South China Sea, said a spokesperson Saturday. The flight is part of actual combat training to improve the Air Force's response to security threats, said Senior Colonel Shen Jinke of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force. (Xinhua/Gao Yiping)

The flight included H-6K bombers and Su-30 fighter jets. The aircraft completed a series of training missions, including air defense early warning maneuvers, air combat and island patrols, in a complicated electromagnetic environment.

China’s Air Force conducts regular South China Sea patrols to defend sovereignty, security and maritime interests.

Two Su-30 fighters take off to partol over the South China Sea. Chinese Air Force aircraft, including H-6K bombers and Su-30 fighters, have completed a patrol of airspace above the Nansha and Huangyan islands in the South China Sea, said a spokesperson Saturday. The flight is part of actual combat training to improve the Air Force's response to security threats, said Senior Colonel Shen Jinke of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force. (Xinhua/Jin Danhua)