China conducts patrol in South China Sea, accuses Philippines of 'disrupting' peace

This handout photo taken on February 26, 2026 and released on February 27 by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office (AFP-PAO) shows US Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) sailing as a MH-60R Seahawk helicopter hovers above during a joint military exercise in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine, US and Japanese militaries this week conducted joint exercises near the Bashi Channel that separates the archipelago nation from Taiwan, officials said on Friday, February 27, 2026. -- Photo: AFP

BEIJING (Reuters): China's military said on Friday it conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from February 23 to 26, and accused the Philippines of "disrupting" peace and stability by organising joint patrols with countries outside the region.

The military's Southern Theatre Command will "resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability," spokesperson Zhai Shichen said in a statement.