Maryland, Aug. 8 -- China has ramped up its naval and coast guard presence in the South China Sea over the past week in direct response to India and the Philippines conducting their first-ever joint patrols in the contested waters, according to reporting by the US Naval Institute (USNI) News.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted "routine patrols" from Friday to Monday, aimed at countering what Beijing described as "provocative actions" by Manila and unnamed "non-regional countries."

As per USNI News, the Southern Theatre Command of the PLA accused the joint activities of undermining peace and stability in the region. Tian Junli, the command's spokesperson, reiterated China's opposition to "external interference" in what it...