Beijing, China — China has called on the Philippines to stop actions that it says are stirring up trouble and escalating tensions in the South China Sea. A spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command made the remarks on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability.
Tian Junli, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, stated that relying on external forces to incite tensions in the South China Sea is futile. According to Tian, the theater command conducted routine patrols in the waters of the South China Sea on Friday.
“The Philippines frequently enlists countries from outside the region to organize so-called joint cruises, hyping and spreading unlawful claims in the South China Sea,” Tian said. “These actions create instability and deliberately undermine regional peace and stability.”
The spokesperson added that forces under the Southern Theater Command will continue to maintain a high level of alert and are resolute in defending national sovereignty and security, as well as ensuring peace in the South China Sea.
The South China Sea is a vital maritime corridor for global trade, and several countries have overlapping territorial claims in the region. China has consistently advocated for resolving disputes through direct negotiations with the parties involved.
