China Issues Stern Warning to Philippines over South China Sea

A spokesperson for the Chinese armed forces warned the Philippines to avoid provocations in the South China Sea, following the conduct of "routine" patrols in the area.

The Philippines must immediately stop causing trouble and escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the spokesperson said, stressing that the Chinese armed forces will defend Beijing's sovereign rights.

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea – a strategically important maritime area through which more than $3 trillion worth of goods are transported each year. The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam also have claims.