China has issued a stark warning after the Philippines and India completed their first-ever joint naval patrol in the disputed South China Sea, reporting “shadowing” vessels and prompting Beijing’s PLA Southern Theatre Command to declare its forces on high alert.

The Indian Navy has joined the Philippine Navy in patrolling disputed areas of the South China Sea for the first time, Manila's military confirmed on Monday. The two-day mission began on Sunday and involves three Indian vessels working alongside their Philippine counterparts.

India and the Philippines elevate ties to strategic partnership, pledging deeper defence, maritime and Indo-Pacific cooperation.