The naval and air forces of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command carried out a routine patrol in the South China Sea from June 27 to 28, command spokesperson Zhai Shichen said in a statement on Monday.
The Philippines has enlisted countries outside the region to organize so-called “joint patrols” in a bid to stir up trouble in the South China Sea and undermine regional peace and stability, the statement noted.
The command’s forces will resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability.
