Advertisement
South China Sea: Beijing steps up military patrols as US and the Philippines conduct more drills in disputed waterway
- PLA Southern Theatre Command says it is sending navy and air force for routine patrols to monitor activities that ‘disrupt’ the region
- Chinese guided-missile destroyer and frigate shadow Philippine and American navies on Wednesday, Philippine media reports
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
24
The Chinese military is conducting patrols in the South China Sea as the US and the Philippines hold their second joint drills in the contested waters in less than two months.
The People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command said it had sent its navy and air force to the South China Sea for routine patrols to monitor activities that “disrupt” the region.
“Troops in the theatre remain on high alert at all times, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interests,” the command said on its WeChat account on Wednesday.
Advertisement
“Any military activities that disrupt and create hotspots in the South China Sea are fully under control.”
04:30
Philippines sets up ‘game changer’ monitoring station on island in disputed South China Sea
Philippines sets up ‘game changer’ monitoring station on island in disputed South China Sea
The patrols were intended to run on Wednesday and Thursday, the statement said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x