China has condemned the latest joint military drills by the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea, saying the exercises heighten tensions in one of Asia’s most disputed waterways. Beijing described the move as a provocation and repeated its opposition to what it sees as outside interference in the region.

The exercises come as territorial disputes in the South China Sea remain a major source of friction between China and several Southeast Asian states, including the Philippines. The waterway is a strategic shipping route and a flashpoint for competing maritime claims, with naval patrols and military activity often prompting sharp diplomatic responses.

The Philippines has increasingly deepened defense cooperation with the United States in recent years as it faces pressure from China over contested areas at sea. Washington has said its alliance with Manila is meant to support regional security and freedom of navigation.

The latest criticism underscores how military activity in the South China Sea continues to feed mistrust among rival claimants. With no lasting settlement in sight, the region remains vulnerable to further flare-ups and diplomatic confrontation.