PLA Southern Theatre Command

The PLA Southern Theatre Command is a branch of the People's Liberation Army responsible for the South China Sea region, including areas around Taiwan. It is newsworthy due to its recent activities in contested areas, particularly in response to US-Philippine joint exercises and near Taiwan-held islands. Recent events include the Command conducting naval and air "combat readiness patrols" near Scarborough Shoal following US-Philippine drills, and deploying a surveillance drone into airspace near Pratas Island (Dongsha). The Command defended the drone flight as "routine training." These actions are significant as they underscore China's assertive posture in the South China Sea, its ongoing pressure on Taiwan, and its willingness to challenge the status quo in the region. These activities also contribute to heightened tensions and increased scrutiny from regional and international actors.