BEIJING: On Tuesday (Apr 29), China’s navy performed a patrol in the South China Sea, claiming that the Philippines has been causing “disturbances,” coinciding with joint operations by Filipino and US air forces in the contested area.
China asserts nearly all of the South China Sea as its territory and has been in a growing confrontation with the Philippines, as both nations aim to reinforce their claims of sovereignty.
Over 14,000 soldiers from the Philippines and the US are engaged in joint exercises from Apr 21 to May 9, aimed at conducting a “full battle test” in response to common regional security issues. China has criticized these exercises as provocative.
In a statement late on Tuesday, the Southern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army reported that its forces conducted “routine” patrols in the South China Sea that day, although no specific location was mentioned.
“Recently, the Philippines has been increasingly involved in maritime infringements and provocations, causing disturbances and involving external countries in organizing so-called ‘joint patrols’,” the statement read.
The command stated that naval and air units are closely monitoring the situation and remain vigilant.
“Troops in the operational area are maintaining a high state of alert to firmly defend the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, while also ensuring peace and stability in the South China Sea region,” it added.
