China Urges Philippines to Cease 'Provocative Actions' Amid Joint Maritime Drills in South China Sea

China has reiterated its warning to the Philippines, urging an immediate stop to what it describes as "provocative actions" that risk escalating tensions in the South China Sea (SCS). This statement comes shortly after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) completed their 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) alongside Japan and the United States from September 12 to 13, 2025.

The latest joint naval exercises took place in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), spanning from Magalawa Island in Palauig to Silanguin Island in San Antonio, Zambales. This marked the second MMCA held in September, following a successful iteration earlier this month, underscoring the ongoing trilateral partnership focused on promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

For the operation, the AFP deployed several assets including the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), an AW109 anti-submarine helicopter, a Philippine Air Force search and rescue plane, a C-208B Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, and four FA-50 fighter jets. The United States contributed the USS John Finn (DDG-113), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane, and two MH-60R helicopters. Meanwhile, Japan sent the JS Osumi (LST4001), demonstrating amphibious operational capabilities.

Activities during the drills encompassed Communications Checks, Maritime Domain Awareness, Anti-Submarine Warfare exercises, Cross-Deck Landings, Naval Surface Interdiction and Clearance operations, Search and Rescue drills, as well as various tactical maneuvers designed to enhance interoperability and readiness.

In response, Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, stated that Chinese forces conducted "routine patrols" in the SCS concurrent with the Philippines's joint exercises. Tian declared, "We solemnly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop provoking incidents and engaging in actions that heighten tensions in the South China Sea."

He emphasized that the Southern Theater Command remains on high alert to "resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and national security, and to uphold peace and stability" in the contested waters. Tian further asserted, "Any attempt to stir up trouble or disrupt order in the South China Sea is doomed to fail."

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, a vital shipping route facilitating over $3 trillion in annual global trade, despite overlapping territorial claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Philippines refers to parts of these waters as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce its sovereignty claims, particularly around the Luzon Sea and Kalayaan Island Group.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China's extensive claims; however, China has consistently refused to recognize this ruling.

The ongoing naval exercises by the Philippines, Japan, and the United States signify a coordinated effort to maintain freedom of navigation and support regional stability, even as China maintains a firm opposition to what it calls "provocations" by these countries.