Micah Jonah
February 8, 2026
China has carried out a series of naval and air patrols across the South China Sea, reinforcing its military presence in the disputed waters amid rising regional tensions.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by China’s Southern Theater Command, the patrols were conducted from Monday through Friday and involved coordinated operations by naval and air forces. The command said the exercises were aimed at maintaining vigilance and safeguarding what it described as China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Chinese military officials accused the Philippines of escalating tensions by engaging countries outside the region to carry out what they termed “so-called bilateral air patrols” over the South China Sea. The statement said such actions undermine peace and stability in the region.
The Southern Theater Command added that its forces remain on high alert and would continue to take necessary measures to protect China’s interests in the area.
The South China Sea is a strategic waterway through which trillions of dollars in global trade pass each year and is claimed in part or in full by several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. The disputed Scarborough Shoal and surrounding areas have been frequent flashpoints between Beijing and Manila in recent years.
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
