BEIJING - The Chinese military on Sunday urged the Philippines to immediately stop provoking incidents and further escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, made the statement following the Philippines' so-called "joint patrols" with countries outside of the region, which had undermined peace and stability in the region.

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The PLA Southern Theater Command on Friday organized a bomber formation to conduct a routine patrol in the South China Sea, according to the spokesperson.