China’s Defense Ministry said Thursday it conducted naval and air combat readiness patrols around a disputed area in the South China Sea after the Philippines, the United States and other allied forces began annual drills in the region.
In its statement, China said the patrols occurred at Huangyan Dao, which it identifies as Scarborough Shoal. The Defense Ministry described Huangyan Dao as “an inherent part of China’s territory,” and said “such patrols serve as an effective countermeasure to cope with all sorts of rights violation and provocative acts,” according to the account provided in the statement.
The Philippines has accused China of using force to block access by fishermen and the coast guard to the shoal. Manila said the feature used to be under Philippine control until 2012, and said China’s patrol activity has been aimed at restricting access.
The patrols were announced against the backdrop of the start of the U.S.-Philippines training cycle. The drills, which include mock battle scenarios and live-fire maneuvers, are taking place in locations including Philippine provinces facing the disputed South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
The Defense Ministry’s announcement also came about 10 days after the U.S. and the Philippines began one of their largest annual combat exercises, Balikatan. The exercise involves more than 17,000 American and Filipino military personnel and runs through May 8.
China has objected to the U.S.-Philippines drills. The Philippines has said the exercises do not target any country and are needed to prepare allied forces to respond to natural disasters.