China Denounces Philippines’ Joint Sea Exercises With U.S. and Allies, Calling Them a Threat to Stability

One of five PLA Navy warships that tracked joint maritime drills conducted by Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States on October 30 and 31, 2025. Image via @jessiecruzat

The People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command on Saturday accused the Philippines of undermining regional peace and stability for organizing joint naval exercises with Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Spokesperson Tian Junli accused Manila of acting as a “troublemaker” for its part in hosting the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) drills that took place last Thursday and Friday in contested waters in the South China Sea.

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by Eric Olander

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