PLA wary of 'joint patrols' in South China Sea

The People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea on Wednesday, a day after the Philippines and United States militaries conducted a joint exercise in the region.

Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command, announced the operation on Wednesday evening, accusing the Philippines of colluding with outside countries to organize "so-called joint patrols", which Tian claimed destabilize the region.

The Philippines' actions, Tian said, were an attempt to endorse its "illegal claims" in the South China Sea and undermine China's maritime rights and interests. "The theater command forces remain on high alert, resolutely defending national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Any military activities that disrupt the South China Sea are fully under control," the spokesperson said.