Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

China's Defense Ministry says the country's armed forces will unswervingly protect national sovereignty, security, maritime rights and interests. Defense Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun rejected claims that training exercises in the South China Sea were related to arbitration tribunal case initiated by the Philippines.

"The recently concluded training exercise in the South China Sea was a routine arrangement as part of the annual training program. It was intended to improve the capability of Chinese navy. The Chinese government’s position on the South China Sea arbitration case initiated by the Philippines is consistent and clear. No matter what ruling is made, China’s sovereignty, rights and interests will not be affected," said Yang Yujun, spokesperson of Chinese Defense Ministry.