In a bold display of military presence, China’s navy conducted a patrol in the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday, accusing the Philippines of “creating disturbances” and drawing in foreign allies for joint military operations. The patrol coincided with ongoing air missions involving the Philippine and U.S. air forces, further escalating tensions in a region already fraught with maritime disputes.
China, which lays claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, said its routine patrols were necessary due to what it described as “frequent maritime infringements” by the Philippines. These statements came as more than 14,000 Filipino and American troops carry out large-scale joint military drills — described as a “full battle test” — from April 21 to May 9. China has openly criticized the drills, calling them provocative.
The Southern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) released a statement asserting that their air and naval forces remain vigilant and ready to protect the country’s sovereignty.
“Recently, the Philippines has been frequently carrying out maritime infringement provocations, creating disturbances and pulling in countries from outside the region to organise so-called ‘joint patrols’,” the PLA said.
“Troops are maintaining high alert, determined to defend China’s territorial and maritime rights, and preserve peace and stability in the region.”
In a parallel statement, the Philippine military confirmed that its air force had conducted a joint patrol with the United States on the same day. The operation involved three Philippine FA-50 fighter jets alongside two U.S. B-1B bombers, two F-16s, and an F-18.
The Philippine armed forces stressed that these actions were well within their sovereign rights and a necessary step in maintaining regional awareness and defense preparedness.
“The conduct of joint exercises and maritime domain awareness operations within our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone is not a provocation — it is preparedness,” the statement read.
“To be clear: the Philippines is a sovereign state. No foreign power can dictate how we defend our home or with whom we stand in solidarity.”
The latest developments underscore the intensifying competition for influence and security in the South China Sea. As the Philippines strengthens its defense ties with the U.S., and China reasserts its territorial claims, the region remains a flashpoint with potential global consequences.
