China’s military warns Philippines against provocations in South China Sea

BEIJING, Sept 14: China’s military said on Sunday it had conducted "routine" patrols in the South China Sea and warned the Philippines against any provocations, according to a spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command.

The spokesperson said the Philippines must immediately stop provoking incidents and escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Chinese troops will continue to defend the country’s sovereignty in the region, the spokesperson added.

China has consistently maintained its historic ad lawful rights over the South China Sea - a vital waterway for global trade - despite overlapping claims by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.