China conducts patrol in South China Sea, accuses Philippines of 'disrupting' peace

FILE PHOTO: An aerial view of a China Coast Guard ship navigating near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, as Philippine Coast Guard aircraft carrying journalists patrols the area, days after two Chinese vessels collided in the area while allegedly trying to block a Philippine supply mission, in the South China Sea, August 13, 2025. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

China's military said on Friday it conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from February 23 to 26, and accused the Philippines of "disrupting" peace and stability by organising joint patrols with countries outside the region.

The military's Southern Theatre Command will "resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability," spokesperson Zhai Shichen said in a statement.

The navies of the Philippines, the U.S. and Japan trained alongside each other in the South China Sea this week to ramp up cooperation among the military allies, the Philippines' armed forces said on Friday.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters