China accuses Philippines of 'disrupting' regional stability

China's military said on Friday it conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from Feb.23 to 26, and accused the Philippines of “disrupting” peace and stability by organising joint patrols with countries outside the region.

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Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jet (L) and a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C patrol aircraft fly in formation over the disputed South China Sea.

(AFP)

The military's Southern Theatre Command will “resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability,” spokesperson Zhai Shichen said in a statement.

The Philippine, US and Japanese militaries conducted joint exercises this week over the Bashi Channel that separates the Philippines from Taiwan, officials said on Friday.

Aircraft from the three nations patrolled over the Philippines’ northernmost Batanes islands in drills aimed at showcasing their “ability to operate seamlessly together in complex maritime environments,” the Philippine military said in a statement.

It marks the first time that so-called Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities (MMCAs) involving the countries have expanded beyond the South China Sea, where the Philippines and China have engaged in repeated clashes over disputed territory.

Little more than 100 kilometres separates the Philippines and self-ruled Taiwan, which China views as its territory and has not ruled out taking by force.