Spokesperson of the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Colonel Tian Junli, said on March 28 that the force conducted a patrol in the East Sea, the same day that US, Japanese and Philippine warships held joint exercises.

According to the Global Times , Mr. Thien accused the Philippines of frequently calling for outside support to organize joint patrols, while also propagating claims, increasing regional instability.

He warned Manila to stop "provocative" and "escalating tensions" actions, stressing that relying on outside forces "will not yield results".

On the same day, the US, Japan and the Philippines held naval exercises in the South China Sea. According to AP, the exercises aimed at enhancing crisis preparedness took place near Scarborough Shoal. The news agency said a Chinese escort ship tried to approach the exercise area but was warned by a Philippine warship via radio.

"At one point they tried to move closer but again, we engaged them," Commander Irvin Ian Robles told reporters aboard the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal.

China has not commented on this information.

During a visit to Manila the same day, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the US would exempt $500 million from the foreign aid freeze to help the Philippines upgrade its military capabilities.

Minister Hegseth met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on March 28. This is Mr. Hegseth's first trip to Asia as minister. He is also expected to visit Japan.