PLA resolutely safeguards stability in South China Sea: spokesman

A spokesman from the Chinese military has emphasized that any attempt to cause disruption in the South China Sea will not succeed. The spokesperson was responding to the recent "joint patrol" conducted by the Philippines, Australia and Canada in the region.

On Wednesday, the navy of the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command carried out a routine patrol in the South China Sea, according to a statement on the theater command's official WeChat account.

Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesman for the theater command, was quoted in the statement as saying that the Philippines is colluding with countries outside the region to conduct a so-called "joint patrol", which threatens regional peace and stability.

"The theater command's forces in the region are on high alert at all times, resolutely defending national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. Any attempt to disrupt the South China Sea and create hotspots will not succeed," he added.

According to Reuters, the navies of the Philippines, Australia and Canada conducted a joint operation in the South China Sea last month.