China Says It Monitored Philippine Joint Patrols in the South China Sea

China’s military said on Saturday that it had monitored and tracked joint patrols organized by the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea on October 30 and 31.

Tian Junli, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command, said the joint patrols — conducted with unnamed partners — had “seriously undermined regional peace and stability,” describing the Philippines as a “troublemaker” in the area.

“The theater forces remain on high alert and will resolutely safeguard the nation’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Tian said in a statement.

The Philippine Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.