China’s military said on Friday it had conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from 23 to 26 February, accusing the Philippines of “disrupting” regional peace and stability by organising joint patrols with countries outside the region.
The Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army said the patrol was carried out by its naval forces and was aimed at safeguarding China’s sovereignty and maritime rights.
Spokesperson Zhai Shichen accused the Philippines of “luring external countries” into what he described as a “so-called joint patrol”, adding that such actions had disturbed stability in the region.
“The Southern Theatre Command will resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability,” Zhai said in a statement.
The remarks followed joint naval exercises this week involving the Philippines, the United States and Japan. The Philippines’ armed forces said the drills were intended to strengthen interoperability and cooperation among allies.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including areas also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.
Beijing has repeatedly criticised the involvement of non-regional powers, particularly the United States, in what it considers territorial disputes.
The South China Sea is a key global trade route and a persistent flashpoint between China and Southeast Asian nations, with tensions frequently rising around military patrols and freedom of navigation operations.
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