Chinese navy conducts patrol in South China sea

The navy of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command carried out what it described as a routine patrol in the South China Sea from February 23 to 26, according to an official statement released by the Chinese military.

Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, said the patrol was conducted in accordance with established plans. He added that the operation aimed to safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Zhai also criticised the Philippines for what he described as efforts to involve countries outside the region in organising “so-called joint patrols,” which he said have disrupted peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The spokesperson emphasised that forces under the PLA Southern Theater Command would “resolutely safeguard” China’s sovereignty and maritime interests and “firmly uphold” regional peace and stability.

Tensions have persisted in the South China Sea, a strategically vital waterway with overlapping territorial claims involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Recent months have seen increased military and coast guard activities by claimant states and their partners, drawing international attention to the disputed region.

By Sabina Mammadli