The Chinese People's Liberation Army conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea on Wednesday, a spokesman said, accusing the Philippines of undermining peace and stability in the region.
The PLA Southern Theater Command spokesman Tian Junli announced the action in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
He said that the Philippines has repeatedly colluded with extraterritorial countries to organize so-called joint patrols recently, attempting to cover up its illegal infringement on China's maritime rights and interests and its deliberate undermining of peace and stability in the South China Sea through military provocations and media hype.
Tian emphasized that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea have ample historical and legal basis, which are indisputable and inviolable.
He said that the theater command forces remain on high alert, resolutely defending national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The spokesman noted that any military activities disrupting the South China Sea are well within their grasp.
