The Chinese military has carried out a “routine patrol” in the disputed South China Sea, the second such operation in less than two weeks, while cautioning the Philippines against stirring up tensions.
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Conducted on Friday and Saturday, the latest patrol came just days after Beijing announced plans to establish a national nature reserve at the contested Scarborough Shoal, which it calls Huangyan Island and Manila calls Panatag Shoal.
“We sternly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop provocations and escalating tensions in the South China Sea and bringing in external forces for backing. Such efforts are doomed to fail,” Senior Colonel Tian Junli, a spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command, said in a statement on Sunday.
Tian criticised Manila for “spreading illegal claims in the South China Sea and undermining regional peace and stability”, adding that theatre troops “remain on high alert, firmly safeguarding national sovereignty and security”.
“Any attempt to stir up trouble will not succeed,” he said.
Manila cries foul over Beijing’s nature reserve plan in South China Sea
Manila cries foul over Beijing’s nature reserve plan in South China Sea
In recent weeks, Beijing has conducted frequent patrols in the South China Sea and has criticised Manila for “repeatedly courting influence from outside powers”.
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