Chinese navy says it conducted 'routine patrol' in South China Sea

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Chinese navy said Thursday that it carried out a "routine patrol" in the South China Sea.

The patrols were carried out on Wednesday by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, according to a statement from Tian Junli, the command's spokesperson.

The Philippines had "colluded with countries outside of the region" to conduct joint patrols, "which had undermined peace and stability in the region," Tian said in a statement released by China Military Online, the PLA's official English-language news website.

"Any attempt to stir up trouble in the South China Sea and create tensions is doomed to fail," he said.

He added that the Chinese military will "remain on high alert to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights."

On Wednesday, the Philippines, along with Australia, Canada, and the US, concluded a two-day multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Navy on Thursday said that two Chinese navy vessels were observed near the exercise's vicinity, according to the Inquirer.

China and the Philippines have disputing claims in the South China Sea.