China has carried out a series of naval and air patrols across the South China Sea from Monday to Friday, the Southern Theater Command said in a statement on Saturday, marking another escalation in the region’s already tense maritime environment.
Beijing accuses Manila of provoking instability
In its statement, the command sharply criticised the Philippines, claiming Manila had “roped in countries outside the region” to conduct what it called a “so‑called bilateral air patrol.”
According to China, the move undermines peace and stability in the South China Sea a waterway where territorial disputes have intensified in recent years.
The command added that its forces would remain on high alert and would “resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”
Philippines yet to respond
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately comment on the allegations or the patrols. Manila has recently expanded security cooperation with several partners, including the United States and Japan, drawing repeated criticism from Beijing.
The latest exchange underscores how quickly tensions can flare in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime regions.
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