China Urges Philippines to Halt Provocative Actions Amid Joint Military Drills in South China Sea

China issued a warning to the Philippines on Sunday, urging an immediate stop to what it called "provocative actions" in the South China Sea following recent joint maritime exercises conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in coordination with Japan and the United States.

The 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity took place from September 12 to 13 off the coast of Zambales province. This marked the second joint exercise this month involving the three nations, featuring a variety of operations such as anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue drills, and tactical maneuvers.

During the exercises, the AFP deployed the BRP Jose Rizal frigate, anti-submarine helicopters, and several aircraft, including four FA-50 fighter jets. The United States contributed the USS John Finn destroyer, a maritime patrol aircraft, and two helicopters, while Japan participated with the JS Osumi landing ship.

Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, stated that Chinese forces conducted "routine patrols" in the South China Sea concurrent with the exercises. He warned that China is prepared to respond robustly against actions perceived as escalatory. "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. He emphasized that Chinese troops "remain on high alert to resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and national security."

The South China Sea is a strategically critical maritime corridor, facilitating over $3 trillion in annual trade. Beijing asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire sea, despite contested claims by the Philippines and other neighboring countries. In asserting its own territorial claim, the Philippines has designated parts of the area as the West Philippine Sea.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s expansive claims. However, China rejected the verdict and continues to assert control.

Further escalating tensions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended Beijing’s establishment of the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, known locally in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc. Lin insisted that the area has historically been Chinese territory.

The Philippines lodged a diplomatic protest against this move. Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona condemned the establishment of the reserve as "an illegitimate and unlawful action." Previous statements from the DFA have emphasized that any construction activities on Scarborough Shoal cross a "red line" for the Philippine government.

Scarborough Shoal, situated approximately 124 nautical miles from Zambales province, has been under effective Chinese control since a 2012 maritime standoff, remaining a flashpoint in the ongoing territorial disputes in the region.