PLA Southern Theatre Command

The PLA Southern Theatre Command is a branch of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) responsible for overseeing the South China Sea and surrounding regions. It is newsworthy due to its recent activities in contested areas, particularly near Scarborough Shoal and Taiwan-held Pratas Island. Recent events include the Command conducting "combat readiness patrols" near Scarborough Shoal shortly after joint US-Philippine drills in the area, actions perceived as a response to these exercises and a demonstration of China's territorial claims. Furthermore, the Command claimed responsibility for a PLA surveillance drone entering airspace near Pratas Island, characterizing it as a "routine flight training." These actions highlight the PLA Southern Theatre Command's role in asserting China's sovereignty in the South China Sea and its ongoing pressure tactics towards Taiwan, contributing to regional tensions and international scrutiny.