The Chinese People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea on Friday, a spokesman for the command said in a statement on Saturday.

The Philippines has frequently sought to rally external countries to conduct so-called joint patrols, promoting illegal claims in the South China Sea, creating instability in the region and deliberately undermining regional peace and stability, said spokesman Tian Junli.

"We warn the Philippines to cease provoking incidents and escalating tensions in the South China Sea, as efforts to seek external support will be in vain," he said.

The theater command remains on high alert, resolutely defending national sovereignty, security, and peace and stability in the South China Sea, he added.