The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command Navy recently concluded a four-day routine patrol in the South China Sea, underscoring its commitment to regional stability amid heightened maritime activity. The operation, conducted from February 23 to 26, comes as the Philippines collaborates with non-regional partners for military exercises in contested waters.
Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, criticized external interference during a press briefing on Friday. 'Certain parties have co-opted extra-regional forces to stage so-called joint patrols, escalating tensions,' he stated, emphasizing that such actions 'undermine the hard-won peace in these strategic waterways.'
The PLA's patrol focused on verifying navigational safety protocols and monitoring foreign vessel movements. Analysts note this aligns with China's long-standing policy of safeguarding territorial sovereignty while advocating for dialogue-based resolutions to disputes.
Regional security experts warn that increased military presence from non-Asian nations could complicate efforts to finalize the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, a multilateral agreement currently under negotiation between China and ASEAN members.
