China Calls Joint Military Drills Between Philippines And The US, As 'Enlisting Foreign Powers' To Stir Trouble In South China Sea

In a hilarious incident, the Chinese military on Thursday said that the Philippines enlisted help from 'foreign forces' for patrolling the South China Sea (SCS), pointing fingers towards joint military drills between the Philippines and the US, reported Reuters.

These joint patrols are causing tensions in the SCS, China's military said while highlighting its commitment to maintaining high vigilance, resolutely defending sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and safeguarding peace and stability in the SCS.

"The Philippines enlisted forces out of the region to patrol ... stirred up trouble and engaged in hype, undermining regional peace and stability," the southern theatre command of the Chinese military said.

According to the report, Philippine officials confirmed that the joint patrols are being conducted near Taiwan, whose entire territory is claimed by China.

The strained relations between China and the Philippines over the SCS have intensified under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has sought closer ties with the US.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that China had warned both the US and the Philippines against undermining its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests during their joint patrols.

A Chinese navy ship reportedly shadowed three US and Philippine warships conducting joint patrols on Thursday.

The incident occurred near a natural gas field platform, 27 nautical miles off Palawan province. Despite the close monitoring, there were no challenges or dangerous maneuvers, according to the Philippine armed forces chief, Romeo Brawner.

The Philippines deemed the joint operations with the United States a success, achieving their goal of close cooperation, and reported no untoward incidents.

The Chinese are also preventing the Philippines from re-supplying their WW2-era vessel, the 'Sierra Madre,' at the Second Thomas Shoal. The Chinese are using their militia vessels to even ram the Philippines' re-supply vessels to the shoal.

Also Read: Situation 'Has Become More Dire' In South China Sea, Warns Philippines President Marcos Jr, Amid Increased Chinese Aggression