The naval forces of the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from February 23 to 26. The Philippines co-opted countries outside the region to organize the so-called joint patrols, disrupting peace and stability in the region,Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, said in a statement on Friday.  

Forces of PLA Southern Theater Command will resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability, the spokesperson said.