The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has slammed the joint U.S.-Philippine patrol in the South China Sea.
The spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, Senior Colonel Tian Junli, said Chinese naval frigate "Yuncheng" has conducted routine patrols since November 21, and during these periods, the Philippines co-opted external forces to patrol the South China Sea.
Such a move stirs up trouble, hypes up the situation, undermines regional peace and stability and violates the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, he said.
The troops of the theater command remain on high alert to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, maritime rights and interests, and peace and stability in the South China Sea, said Tian.