(MENAFN) China on Sunday sharply criticized the Philippines for holding joint maritime exercises with the United States and Japan in the disputed South China Sea, according to a report by Chinese media.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed in a statement that it had conducted the 11th edition of the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the US Indo-Pacific Command and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on Friday and Saturday.

The Philippines’ official statement, shared via X (formerly Twitter), emphasized that the drills were designed to "reaffirm the Philippines’ steadfast commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and upholding peace and security in the region."

In retaliation to the exercise, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command reported carrying out patrols in the South China Sea on the same days, Friday and Saturday.

PLA spokesman Tian Junli accused the Philippines of collaborating with non-regional powers for "joint patrols," asserting that such actions were an attempt to promote "illegal claims" and destabilize the region.

“We solemnly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop provoking incidents and engaging in actions that heighten tensions in the South China Sea,” Tian said, adding that any effort to seek external support would ultimately fail.

Tian further stated that the Southern Theater Command remains on constant alert, vowing to "resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and national security," while ensuring "peace and stability" in the contested waters.

“Any attempt to stir up trouble or disrupt order in the South China Sea is doomed to fail,” Tian concluded.

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