BEIJING - The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted routine naval and air patrols in the South China Sea from Monday to Friday, a spokesman said on Saturday.

Zhai Shichen, spokesman for the PLA Southern Theater Command, stated that the Philippines had colluded with a certain country outside the region to stage so-called "bilateral air patrols," which had undermined peace and stability in the region.

Zhai stressed that the troops of the Southern Theater Command remain on high alert to resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.