China’s military announced on Saturday that it had monitored and tracked a joint maritime patrol led by the Philippines in the contested South China Sea on 30 and 31 October.

The statement followed growing tensions in the region after Washington and Manila unveiled plans on Friday to establish a new joint task force, aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas including the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest waterways, through which over $3 trillion in trade passes each year.

Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army, condemned the patrol, which involved undisclosed partners, accusing it of “seriously undermining regional peace and stability.” He described the Philippines as “a troublemaker” and warned that Chinese forces remained on

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