China conducts naval, air patrols around disputed South China Sea

BEIJING: China conducted naval and air patrols in ​the South China Sea from Monday to Friday, the China Southern Theater Command said in a ‌statement on ‌Saturday.
“In ‌an ⁠attempt ​to ‌stir up troubles in the South China Sea, the Philippine side roped in countries outside the ⁠region and conducted so-called ‘bilateral ‌air patrol’, undermining ‍peace and ‍stability in the ‍region,” the statement said.
Forces of the Southern Theater Command will ​remain on high alert and resolutely safeguard ⁠China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, according to the statement.
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for ‌comment.