PLA conducts routine patrols in the South China Sea

The People's Liberation Army conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea from Thursday to Sunday, according to a spokesman for the PLA Southern Theater Command.

Senior Captain Zhai Shichen said in a statement on Monday that ships from the South Sea Fleet carried out the operations, adding that the Philippines has been courting countries outside the region to organize so-called joint patrols in the South China Sea.

He said the moves made by Manila have created troubles in the South China Sea and undermined regional peace and stability.

The spokesman said his command will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and will firmly safeguard peace and stability in the region.