The statement came as the Philippines concluded on Wednesday joint maritime exercises with Australia, Canada, and the United States in the South China Sea, Reuters reported.
The drills featured anti-submarine warfare exercises, logistics operations, and personnel exchanges, highlighting interoperability and coordination among the four nations.
Philippines' Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner said in a statement that the maritime activity "reaffirms our collective resolve to protect our seas and uphold rules-based international order."
A spokesperson for the Philippine Navy said two Chinese navy vessels were observed following the international group, but were not conducting synchronized movement that would indicate a patrol.
"Such messages are part of their malign influence operations to justify their illegal presence in the country's exclusive economic zone," said Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad.