Senior Colonel Tian Junli, a spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, stated the PLA Southern Theater Command conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea waters on Friday. 

Tian said that the Philippines has frequently sought support from countries outside the region to organize so-called joint patrols, aiming to propagate illegal claims in the South China Sea, thereby creating destabilizing factors and deliberately undermining regional peace and stability. 

"We warn the Philippines to cease its provocations and escalation of tensions in the South China Sea. Relying on external forces for support is destined to be futile," Tian said. 

The US has exempted $500 million from its foreign aid freeze to help the Philippines upgrade its military capabilities, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday during a visit to the Southeast Asian nation, according to Asia Nikkei.

The PLA Southern Theater Command's forces remain on high alert at all times, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and the peace and stability of the region, Tian said.

Global Times