South China Sea Photo: VCG

 
Senior Colonel Tian Junli, a spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, stated on Sunday that routine patrols were carried out by the PLA in the South China Sea from September 12 to 13, according to the Southern Theater Command's official WeChat account.

The Philippines' frequent actions to rope in external forces for so-called "joint patrols" has spread illegal claims and undermine regional peace and stability. "We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately stop provoking incidents and escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Bringing in external backing is doomed to be futile," Tian said.

He added that PLA forces in the region remain on high alert and will resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security, and the peace and stability of the South China Sea, stressing that any attempt to stir up trouble will not succeed.

Global Times