China conducted a military patrol in the South China Sea, coinciding with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines to strengthen ties amid territorial disputes. Beijing criticized the Philippines’ collaboration with foreign nations and claimed overlapping sovereignty rights with several Southeast Asian countries over this vital maritime area.

China’s military reported a recent patrol in the South China Sea, coinciding with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines, where he reaffirmed U.S. support amid ongoing territorial disputes with Beijing. A spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command accused the Philippines of involving foreign allies to conduct “joint patrols” and making “illegal claims” that disrupt regional stability.

During his visit, Hegseth met with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The same day, collaborative naval exercises were conducted by the United States, Japan, and the Philippines in the contested waters. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not issue an immediate response to media inquiries regarding the incident.

China asserts extensive territorial claims over the South China Sea, which is vital for international trade, facilitating approximately $3 trillion in commerce annually. These claims intersect with those from multiple Southeast Asian nations including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei.

China’s military activity in the South China Sea and its warning to the Philippines reflect the ongoing tensions in the region, especially following U.S. assurances of support for the Philippines. As multiple nations assert claims over these strategic waters, the situation remains complex and highlights the intricate dynamics of regional security and international trade.

Original Source: www.usnews.com

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