China carries out naval and air patrols in the contested South China Sea

“The statement indicated that the Philippine side, in an effort to create discord in the South China Sea, engaged countries beyond the region and carried out what it termed ‘bilateral air patrol’, thereby jeopardizing peace and stability in the area.”

The Southern Theater Command forces will maintain a state of high alert and steadfastly protect China’s territorial sovereignty as well as its maritime rights and interests, as stated in the announcement.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing has yet to respond to a request for comment.