The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said on Wednesday that its naval and air units conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from Friday to Tuesday.

Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the theater command, said the Philippines had co-opted countries outside the region to conduct so-called joint patrols in an attempt to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, disrupting peace and stability in the region.

Forces of the theater command will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability, Zhai said.