PLA Southern Theater Command Conducts Joint Patrol in South China Sea Amid Regional Tensions

On Saturday, the PLA Southern Theater Command executed a coordinated sea and air patrol in the South China Sea, as highlighted by Senior Colonel Tian Junli, who serves as spokesperson for the command. He made it clear in a statement on Sunday that any military actions that could provoke tensions in the South China Sea are effectively monitored and managed.

In his remarks shared through the PLA Southern Theater Command's official WeChat account, Tian condemned the Philippines for inviting other nations to engage in joint patrols, suggesting that this maneuver escalates security concerns and harms the peace and stability of the region. Reports indicate that on the same day, the Philippines and Japan participated in a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea, reflecting ongoing tensions. Tian affirmed the commitment of the theater command's troops, noting their heightened alertness to protect the country's territorial integrity and maritime rights.