On Wednesday, China announced the initiation of "routine" military patrols in the South China Sea, responding to recent conflicts among nations in the contested region. The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army confirmed the organization of naval and air forces for these patrols scheduled from January 3 to 4.

The official statement did not disclose details about the specific locations of the patrols and their objectives.

The South China Sea dispute has been ongoing for several years, with multiple countries, namely China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, all fighting for sovereignty in the maritime region.

Sixty percent of maritime trade passes through Asia, with the South China Sea carrying an estimated one-third of global shipping. Most recently, US and western-affiliated naval ships have been crossing the area as part of the ongoing provocations against China. 

"Troops in the theater remain on high alert at all times to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and maritime rights and interests," the statement said. "They remain fully aware of any military activities that disrupt the South China Sea and create flashpoints."

Read more: Philippines host navy drills with US to boost 'rules-based intl order'

Beijing had always wanted to formally settle the dispute with the countries involved but some countries sought to resort to third parties to do so. For instance, in early 2013, the Philippines initiated the South China Sea arbitration against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague - a Western-affiliated organ of the UN.

In recent months, since the West began to further stir up geopolitical tension in the region, China has begun to adopt a more defensive stance by building artificial islands and deploying coast guard and maritime patrols.

The latest incident involved a Chinese coast guard ship spraying a Philippines coast guard vessel with water cannons in early December 2023. Beijing attributed the escalating conflict to  more the Philippines adopting a pro-US policy and has cautioned Manila to "make the rational choice" in addressing the incidents.

In response, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has pledged not to succumb to "coercion," refraining from explicitly naming China. This firm stance underscores the Philippines' commitment to protecting its interests amid the ongoing maritime tensions in the region.

Read more: Australia sails warship through Taiwan Strait amid increased tensions