The Chinese Army has confirmed that China is conducting military "combat patrols" in the South China Sea on Sunday - the same day as joint drills by the Philippines, the United States, Japan and Australia. 

Beijing's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said in a statement that it was organizing "joint naval and air combat patrols in the South China Sea", adding, “All military activities that mess up the situation in the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control”.

This update comes mere days before US President Joe Biden is expected to conduct the first trilateral summit with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan.

Meanwhile, China's Coast Guard reported on Saturday that it "handled" a situation earlier related to a disputed reef where several ships from the Philippines were engaged in "illegal" operations. 

Coastguard spokesperson Gan Yu said, "Under the guise of 'protecting fishing', Philippine government ships have illegally violated and provoked, organised media to deliberately incite and mislead, continuing to undermine stability in the South China Sea."

"We are telling the Philippines that any infringement tactics are in vain," Gan said, adding that China would "regularly enforce the law in waters under (its) jurisdiction". 

Read more: Blinken relays 'ironclad' commitment to Philippines in South China Sea

Amping up the drill volumes

In a joint statement as well, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that Sunday’s drills by the Philippines, United States, Japan and Australia are meant to "(ensure) that all countries are free to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows”.

The statement continued that the drills dubbed the "Maritime Cooperative Activity" includes naval and air force units from all four countries.

According to the Japanese embassy in Manila, "anti-submarine warfare training" is included in the drills.

Just yesterday, the four nations' joint statement revealed that the drills would demonstrate the allies' "collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

This marks the third military exercise conducted by both countries in collaborative efforts, increasing provocations against China, which regards the US presence in the region as an interference in Chinese and regional affairs. 

Filipino Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner stated that the joint drill "demonstrates our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and fosters close cooperation towards further enhancing our maritime capabilities." 

It is worth noting that bilateral relations between China and The Philippines have been in sharp decline, adding to the existing tensions and territorial conflicts as the US increasingly pushes toward militarization in the region.