China patrols the sea amid large-scale exercises by the US and its allies

Published:

Apr 7, 2024 12:55 GMT

“All military activities that disturb stability in the South China Sea and create hot spots are under control,” said the Asian giant's Army.

The Chinese Armed Forces carried out a patrol this Sunday in the disputed South China Sea, in the midst of large-scale joint maneuvers carried out in the area by the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines.

“The Southern Theater of Operations of the People's Liberation Army organized a joint air and naval combat patrol in the waters of the South China Sea. All military activities that disrupt stability in the South China Sea and create hot spots are under control,” says a release of the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

Previously, it was informed that American, Japanese, Australian and Philippine forces conducted their first joint naval maneuvers at sea, including anti-submarine warfare training. According to a joint statement by the four countries, the maneuvers are carried out to safeguard “the rule of law, which is the foundation of a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region” and defend freedom of navigation and overflight.

• The South China Sea has been a constant source of tension for years, being the subject of territorial and maritime claims by multiple actors: China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.