Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

China has started military exercises today, which will run until July 11. China’s maritime safety administration released details of the coordinate range of the drills on its website, which covers waters around the Xisha Islands, also known as the Paracels. It said vessels will be prohibited from the area. But the administration has not released any further details about the exercises.

The U.S. has been increasing its military presence in the South China Sea. In June, two aircraft carriers and their accompanying ships were deployed in the Philippine Sea, followed by three destroyers sent to monitor the region.

China has criticized the militarization of the region by the U.S., denouncing the show of strength as miscalculated.

“The frequent activities of U.S. ships and planes in the South China Sea are meant to make a show of force and to weaken the determination and will of China to protect national sovereignty and security. I’d like to say that this is a miscalculation,” said Chinese defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian.

“The Chinese military never gives in to outside forces. If it is our territory, we will definitely safeguard it. If it is not ours, we will not ask for it. The will and capability of China to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity are very strong.”