Beijing: China’s military has carried out a patrol in the South China Sea, accusing the Philippines of undermining regional peace through joint operations with foreign forces. The patrol, conducted between February 23 and 26, was described by China’s Southern Theatre Command as a routine mission aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining stability in the disputed waters.
Chinese officials said they remain on high alert and ready to defend what they describe as their territorial rights. The statement came soon after joint naval and air patrols involving the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, which Beijing criticized as interference by countries from outside the region.
Manila has expanded security cooperation with allies in recent years as it seeks to protect its maritime rights and strengthen its defence posture. Philippine officials say the joint patrols are meant to ensure freedom of navigation and uphold international law in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
China claims most of the South China Sea despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that rejected its historical claims. Several countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, have competing claims in the resource rich waters.
Tensions in the area have grown in recent months, with increased patrols, surveillance activities, and close encounters between vessels and aircraft. Analysts warn that the rising military presence raises the risk of miscalculation, even as countries insist their actions are defensive.
The South China Sea remains a critical global trade corridor and a strategic flashpoint in the wider rivalry between China and the United States, with regional stability closely tied to developments in these contested waters.