Military spokesman condemns Philippines' 'joint patrol' in South China Sea

The Philippines' recent move to rope in non-regional countries for activities in the South China Sea has been condemned as a serious threat to regional peace and stability, a Chinese military spokesperson said.

Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, made the remarks on Saturday in response to a so-called "joint patrol" conducted by the Philippines and external forces from Thursday to Friday.

Tian criticized the Philippines for luring external forces to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, stating that the move has severely undermined regional stability.

In response, the PLA Southern Theater Command deployed forces to closely monitor the situation and ensure that all such activities remain under control, the spokesman stated.

He emphasized that troops of the Southern Theater Command remain on high alert at all times and are fully prepared to resolutely defend China's sovereignty, security, and maritime rights and interests.