The United States and the Philippines conducted joint patrols in the South China Sea in March and earlier April. They said more of such joint patrols would be conducted in the future. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said this has heightened tension and is harmful to regional peace and stability.

"Relative actions taken by the US and the Philippines have stained the inter-state relationships in this region,"

"It has also escalated regional conflicts and caused regional tension, which is harmful to peace and stability in the South China Sea. This exactly proved who is the real pushing hands of the militarization of this region," said Lu Kang, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Defense ministry: two sides harbor "cold war mentality"

Responding to the stepped-up US- Philippine military cooperation, the Chinese defense ministry has said the action will jeopardize the stability of regional peace and China will resolutely defend its interests in the region.

The ministry's comments came after Thursday's announcement that the US would dispatch 275 soldiers and five fighter jets to the Philippines and will carry out joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea.

The Chinese defense ministry accused the two countries of harboring a "cold war mentality". China urges military cooperation between two sides shouldn't target at a third party or harm the interests of a third party.