The Chinese military carried out combat exercises in the South China Sea on Sunday and Monday, according to a People's Liberation Army spokesman.

Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesman for the PLA Southern Theater Command, said in a statement on Tuesday morning that the command held Naval and Air Force patrols, joint strikes, and vessel drills during the two-day operation.

He said that combat units under the regional command are on high alert and will firmly safeguard China's sovereignty, security as well as the peace and stability in the South China Sea.