China's Ministry of National Defense says the ongoing navy drills in the South China Sea are scheduled in the annual plan, without targeting any other country. It says regular training is essential to enhance the navy.

A live fire drill, in the South China Sea. It's a demonstration of the PLA's naval capabilities. This exercise is focused on integrating information warfare systems. Some equipment is being used for the very first time. The ten-day drill takes place amid heightened tensions in the region.

"Military training and exercises are effective measures to evaluate and improve the combat capabilities. We hope the outside world would hold an objective attitude towards the PLA's routine drills," said Yang Yujun, spokesman, Ministry of National Defense.

Regional tensions have risen over a spate of incidents in recent months that involved the US, the Philippines and Japan.

China has criticized Japan for using the so-called "China maritime threat" as an excuse to pass a highly controversial security bill.

The Philippines is planning a 25 percent hike in its defense budget, mainly to bolster its claims in the disputed waters.

China rejects US involvement in the disputes as a double standard on the issue.

Pictures released by the US Pacific Fleet showed its top admiral, last week joining a 7-hour surveillance flight over waters in the South China Sea.

The military has urged its counterparts to play a constructive role for regional peace.

"For a long time, the US has been sending planes and ships to conduct frequent close-in reconnaissance activities in the South China Sea," Yang said.

"Recently, it has strengthened its alliance to increase its military presence, conducting frequent joint military exercises to create tensions, and increased the risks of the air and maritime incidents in the region. The Chinese side has expressed serious concerns over the US activities to militarize the South China Sea region."

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