Defense Ministry Starts Combat-Ready Patrols In S. China Sea

The Chinese government says it has begun patrolling the waters of the disputed South China Sea with combat-ready ships, Reuters reports.

The new patrols are a response to Vietnamese air patrols over the Spratly Islands, said a Defense Ministry spokesman on Thursday.

Vietnam last week passed a law asserting its sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly Islands, which are potentially energy-rich areas.

China, the Philippines and Vietnam have been embroiled in a long-running...