China's Southern Theater Command said it conducted naval and air patrols across the South China Sea from Monday to Friday, issuing the statement on Saturday. The command accused the Philippines of involving outside countries in a "bilateral air patrol" that it said undermined regional peace and stability. It added that its forces will remain on high alert to protect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
China Carries Out Naval and Air Patrols in South China Sea, Accuses Philippines of Undermining Stability
FILE PHOTO: An aerial view of a China Coast Guard ship navigating near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, as Philippine Coast Guard aircraft carrying journalists patrols the area, days after two Chinese vessels collided in the area while allegedly trying to block a Philippine supply mission, in the South China Sea, August 13, 2025. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal/File Photo
BEIJING, Feb 7 (Reuters) — China said it carried out coordinated naval and aerial patrols in the South China Sea from Monday through Friday, the China Southern Theater Command said in a statement issued on Saturday.
"In an attempt to stir up troubles in the South China Sea, the Philippine side roped in countries outside the region and conducted so-called 'bilateral air patrol', undermining peace and stability in the region," the statement said.
The statement added that forces of the Southern Theater Command will remain on high alert and will "resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Context
The South China Sea is a long-running regional flashpoint involving competing territorial claims from several countries. Patrols and military activities by claimant states and external powers periodically increase tensions and prompt statements from regional military commands.
(Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Toby Chopra)
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