The People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command Navy conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from Sunday to Monday, a spokesman said on Tuesday afternoon.

Tian Junli, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, made the announcement in a statement.

He criticized that the Philippines "co-opted countries outside of the region to organize so-called joint patrols, disrupting peace and stability in the South China Sea".

"The theater command forces will resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability," said Tian.