China conducted a military patrol in the South China Sea, coinciding with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines, which emphasized U.S. support amid territorial disputes. A Chinese military spokesman criticized the Philippines for its foreign partnerships and joint patrols, while the U.S., Japan, and Philippines engaged in naval drills. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, exacerbating tensions with surrounding nations.

On March 28, 2025, China’s military announced that it conducted a patrol in the South China Sea, coinciding with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines. This visit reinforced the United States’ commitment to assisting Manila in its ongoing territorial disputes with Beijing in the region.

A spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command accused the Philippines of frequently seeking foreign assistance to conduct “joint patrols” and spreading what they termed “illegal claims” within the contested waters, allegedly creating instability in the area.

During his visit, Mr. Hegseth conferred with Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The same day, the United States, Japan, and the Philippines conducted naval exercises in the South China Sea as part of regional security efforts.

China lays claim to nearly all of the South China Sea, a critical maritime route with over $3 trillion in annual trade, a claim that overlaps with the sovereignty rights of other nations including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the matter.

In conclusion, China’s recent military patrol in the South China Sea underscores the escalating tensions in the region, particularly in light of the United States’ renewed commitment to the Philippines amid territorial disputes. The situation reflects broader regional dynamics involving multiple nations with overlapping claims, contributing to ongoing instability in a strategically significant area.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com

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