Reuters reports that “plans to deepen U.S.-Philippine military ties, including joint patrols in the South China Sea, reflect a ‘Cold War mentality’, China’s defense ministry said, pledging to resolutely oppose any infringement on the country’s sovereignty.”  

“The comments, published on the defense ministry’s website late on Thursday, come after the United States said it would ramp up its military presence in the Philippines and announced that the two countries had started the joint patrols in the disputed waters.”  

“‘A strengthening of the U.S.-Philippine military alliance… is a manifestation of the Cold War mentality and is not conducive to peace and stability in the South China Sea,’ the defense ministry said.”