China accused the Philippines of creating “disturbances” as its navy conducted a patrol in the South China Sea on Tuesday, as Philippine and US forces held their own drills in the disputed sea alongside the Australian Navy meant to improve their combat readiness. In a statement late Tuesday, the Southern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army said its forces had carried out routine patrols in the South China Sea, without giving an exact location. “Recently, the Philippines has been frequently carrying out maritime infringement provocations, creating disturbances and pulling in countries from outside the region to organize so-called joint patrols,” it said.

Basilio, K. C. L. (2025, May 1). China’s navy patrols South China Sea as Philippines, US hold own sea drills. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.