Chinese air and naval forces are currently engaged in exercises in a contested region of the South China Sea, as reported by the military on Saturday. This announcement follows discussions between the country’s leading diplomat and his U.S. counterpart aimed at alleviating regional tensions.

This development coincides with Australia and the Philippines announcing a joint maritime operation involving Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within the Philippines‘ exclusive economic zone.

According to a statement from the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army, the Chinese military activities will encompass “routine” early warning and reconnaissance operations, along with patrols near Scarborough Shoal. However, specific details regarding the drills were not disclosed.

The statement emphasized that the theatre troops are maintaining a high level of alertness, committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and maritime rights, while also striving to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea.

One of the most disputed areas in Asia, the Scarborough Shoal is located 200 km (124 miles) from the Philippines, within its exclusive economic zone. China asserts claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including this atoll, which is sought after for its rich fish resources and beautiful turquoise waters.

This claim, however, overlaps with those of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam in this heavily trafficked region. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s extensive claims lacked support under international law, a verdict that Beijing has chosen to disregard.

The tribunal did not address the issue of sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, noting instead that it has historically been a fishing area for multiple nations. The announcement of recent military activities follows a meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York, where they discussed strategies to prevent conflict in the South China Sea.

In March, Blinken reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Philippines defense partnership, describing it as “ironclad,” after Manila raised concerns about China’s aggressive actions involving its coast guard and fishing vessels, which are suspected of operating as a maritime militia.

On Friday, Wang highlighted China’s commitment to addressing differences with relevant countries through dialogue and consultation, as stated by his ministry following the meeting. Blinken expressed concerns regarding China’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea and emphasized the need for enhanced communication between the military forces of the two nations.

Wang responded by urging Blinken to refrain from provoking tensions in the South China Sea and to respect the efforts of regional countries aimed at preserving peace and stability, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

A report released on Friday by a Beijing-based think tank estimated that warships from various nations collectively spent over 20,000 days in the South China Sea each year, with more than 30,000 military aircraft operating in the area.

The think tank, known as the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, noted that U.S. Navy vessels alone accounted for approximately 1,600 days at sea in the region, in addition to an undisclosed number of submarines.