ISTANBUL

The Chinese military conducted routine patrols Friday in the South China Sea, according to a spokesperson.

Tian Junli from the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said the patrols occurred as the Philippines continued efforts to involve non-regional countries in "joint patrols" while promoting unlawful claims in the South China Sea.

He asserted that the actions have introduced destabilizing factors and threatened regional peace and stability.​​​​​​​

"We warn the Philippine side against provoking incidents and engaging in actions that heighten tensions in the South China Sea," said the spokesperson, adding that seeking external support would prove futile.

The drills came one day after US Defense Chief Pete Hegseth pledged support to Manila against alleged threats from “communist China.”