PLA responds to Philippines' provocations in South China Sea

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command organized routine patrols in the South China Sea from Friday to Tuesday in response to provocations by the Philippines, a military spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Zhai Shichen, a senior colonel and spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, said the command organized naval and air forces to conduct routine patrols in the South China Sea.

Zhai added that the Philippines had solicited countries from outside the region to interfere in the South China Sea and organized so-called joint patrols, undermining regional peace and stability.

"The PLA Southern Theater Command's forces will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold peace and stability in the region," he said.