China Criticizes Philippines Over Joint Drills With US and Japan in South China Sea

ISTANBUL: China has sharply criticized the Philippines following joint maritime exercises Manila conducted with the United States and Japan in the South China Sea, urging the country to halt actions Beijing described as provocative.

According to state-run Xinhua News, the Chinese military warned that the drills risk escalating tensions in the disputed waters. Tian Junli, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, said Manila’s activities with “countries from outside the region” undermine regional peace and stability.

The PLA said it conducted its own routine patrol on Friday, deploying a bomber formation as part of its operations in the South China Sea.

The remarks came after the Philippines carried out joint patrols with the US Indo-Pacific Command and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on Nov. 14–15. The exercises included coordinated maritime and aerial operations and involved multiple naval vessels.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the drills underscored the country’s commitment to defending its sovereign rights and enhancing collective security with trusted partners.

“These engagements highlight not only the Philippines’ steadfast resolve to defend its maritime domains but also its shared commitment with partners to strengthen deterrence, enhance interoperability, and uphold freedom of navigation under a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific,” the statement posted on X said.

Manila’s military leadership framed the exercises as part of efforts to bolster defense readiness amid ongoing tensions with Beijing over competing claims in the South China Sea.

The exchange marks another flare-up between China and the Philippines, whose relations have become increasingly strained due to confrontations at sea, including vessel collisions, water-cannon incidents, and disputes over resupply missions.

Beijing maintains sweeping territorial claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, while Manila insists its actions are consistent with international law and its own maritime entitlements.