The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army on Monday evening criticized the Philippines for organizing "joint aerial patrols" in the South China Sea with countries outside the region, saying that "the situation is fully under control".

In a brief statement, the theater command said that on Monday, the Philippines rallied countries to "stir up trouble" in the sea by organizing so-called joint aerial patrols and publicly hyping the event.

The statement noted that the Southern Theater Command organized front-line naval and air forces to closely monitor the situation, which was fully under control.

It added that the troops of the theater command remain highly vigilant, resolutely defending national sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interests while firmly upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea.