The Ministry of Defense has just held a press conference on some major issues. Vietnam's air force has recently dispatched a Su-27 airplane to the Nansha Islands for what it claims are patrol and surveillance missions. The Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman outlined how the military is responding to the action.

Geng Yansheng, spokesman for ministry of national defense, said, "China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. China firmly opposes any military provocations in order to maintain national sovereignty and development interests. The PLA has established a combat readiness patrol routine in its sovereign seas. The PLA will unswervingly protect national sovereignty and maritime interests."