Rising tensions: PLA announces 'combat patrols' amid multinational drills in South China Sea

On Sunday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced "combat patrols" by the navy and air force in the disputed South China Sea. On the same day, troops from the USA, Philippines, Japan, and Australia are set to conduct exercises there.

The information about the planned patrols was conveyed in a brief message, which Chinese state media quoted on Sunday morning. However, no additional details were provided regarding the nature and location of the planned patrols.

On Sunday, the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia will conduct joint military exercises in the South China Sea. The Philippines and China claim this area —the AP agency reported the day before, quoting a joint statement from the participating countries.

The AFP agency noted that the manoeuvres will occur a few days before the summit in Washington. US President Joe Biden will meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during this meeting. The leaders' meeting at the White House is scheduled for April 11.

The South China Sea is considered one of the potential flashpoints that could lead to armed conflict. China claims almost the entire sea as its territory, contrary to the claims of other countries in the region, including the Philippines, which claim rights to parts of this waterway. The sea is rich in resources and is crucial for international trade.