China’s air force flew a “combat air patrol” over the South China Sea “recently,” Xinhua, the official news agency, reported, citing Shen Jinke, an air force spokesman. Demonstrators in China called for boycotts at about a dozen KFC outlets on Monday to protest the United States’ role in the South China Sea dispute. The landmark decision rejected China’s assertion that it enjoys historical rights over a huge area of the South China Sea encompassed by a “nine-dash line.” China had argued that the tribunal had no jurisdiction in the matter. PhotoHONG KONG — China said Monday that it had begun what would become regular military air patrols over disputed islands and shoals of the South China Sea, highlighting its claim to the vast area a week after an international tribunal said Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty over the waters had no legal basis. China’s announcement of military exercises and patrols as a response to the ruling had been expected by analysts.

Source: International New York Times July 18, 2016 22:18 UTC