China's military says it conducted routine patrol in South China Sea

"In an attempt ‌to stir up troubles in the South China Sea, the Philippines ⁠co-opted ​countries ⁠outside the region to organise so-called joint ⁠patrols, disrupting peace and stability in ​the region," a Chinese ⁠military spokesperson said in the statement. Chinese forces ⁠will ​safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and ⁠interests, spokesperson Zhai Shichen added.

​China's military ​said it conducted ‌a routine ​patrol in the South ‌China Sea on Tuesday, and criticised a joint patrol by the ‌Philippines and other countries. "In an attempt ‌to stir up troubles in the South China Sea, the Philippines ⁠co-opted ​countries ⁠outside the region to organise so-called joint ⁠patrols, disrupting peace and stability in ​the region," a Chinese ⁠military spokesperson said in the statement.

Chinese forces ⁠will ​safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and ⁠interests, spokesperson Zhai Shichen added. The Philippine embassy ⁠in ⁠Beijing did not immediately respond to a request ‌for ‌comment.