The Chinese military has strongly criticized the Philippines for conducting a ‘joint patrol’ with external forces in the South China Sea, labeling it a significant threat to regional peace and stability. Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, issued the condemnation on Saturday in response to the joint activities carried out from Thursday to Friday. Tian accused the Philippines of deliberately involving non-regional countries to provoke tensions in the disputed waters, which he said has severely undermined regional stability. In response to the patrol, the PLA Southern Theater Command has deployed forces to closely monitor the situation and ensure all activities remain under control. Tian emphasized that Chinese troops are on high alert and fully prepared to defend China’s sovereignty, security, and maritime rights and interests. The South China Sea remains a highly contested region, with China asserting its claims over the area, while other nations, including the Philippines, challenge these claims. The involvement of external forces has further complicated the geopolitical landscape, raising concerns about potential escalation.