By Saadet Gokce
ISTANBUL (AA)—China has conducted routine naval and air patrols in the South China Sea from Monday to Friday, a Chinese People's Liberation Army spokesperson said on Saturday in a statement.
"In an attempt to stir up troubles in the South China Sea, the Philippine side roped in countries outside the region and conducted so-called 'bilateral air patrols,' undermining peace and stability in the region," PLA Southern Theater Command spokesperson Zhai Shichen said.
Southern Theater Command will remain on high alert and "resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Zhai added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force said in a statement on Saturday on the US social media platform Facebook that the Philippines and the US conducted "a Bilateral Bomber Air Patrol and Live Drop Exercise" between Monday and Friday at multiple locations.
"The bilateral engagement featured a series of coordinated air activities aimed at strengthening cooperation and interoperability between Philippine and US forces," it said.
The two sides carried out an air defense scenario on Wednesday over the West Philippine Sea and a joint bomber air patrol on Friday.
The West Philippine Sea is the official designation used by the Philippines for parts of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone.