Thousands of US and Filipino troops began annual military exercises on Friday that the Philippines said were vital to building its defence capabilities to face the rising threat of China.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario used the launch of the 12-day Balikatan manoeuvres to accuse China of destabilising Asia with aggressive and illegal actions in the South China Sea.
"For our region excessive and exaggerated maritime and territorial claims have not only created uncertainty but have undermined the rule of law," del Rosario said in a speech at the nation's military headquarters in Manila.
"Regional peace and stability have been placed at serious risk."
Del Rosario later said he was referring specifically to China.
China claims most of the South China Sea, including waters and tiny rock outcrops near the coasts of smaller neighbours such as the Philippines.
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