The Southern Theater Command has been in the news recently due to its involvement in routine patrols and exercises in the South China Sea. These activities have included shadowing foreign naval activities and conducting live fire drills, which have raised tensions in the region. The command's actions in the South China Sea have drawn international attention and scrutiny, particularly from neighboring countries and the United States.
Established on February 1, 2016, the Southern Theater Command is one of the five theater commands of China's People's Liberation Army. It was formed through the restructuring of the Guangzhou Military Region and has jurisdiction over Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Yunnan, Hainan, and other regions in southern China. The command plays a crucial role in safeguarding China's interests in the South China Sea and enhancing the country's military presence in the region.