TAIPEI, Taiwan: The United States and its allies recently held several naval drills near the Philippines, which has upset China.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea and accuses the Philippines of working with other countries to create problems in the region.

The U.S. 7th Fleet, based in Japan, said ships from the U.S., Australia, Japan, and the Philippines took part in a joint naval exercise inside the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on Wednesday. These exercises help the countries improve their ability to work together. The fleet did not give the exact location of the drills.

Later this week, the U.S., Japan, and France will conduct another exercise in the Philippine Sea, which China does not claim. This drill will involve the U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, the French carrier Charles De Gaulle, and Japan's destroyer Kaga, along with their escorts and aircraft. A French naval commander said France's participation is significant because its home base is 3,700 miles away.

China's military spokesperson, Tian Junli, accused the Philippines of working with foreign countries to organize joint patrols, which he said were meant to support "illegal claims" and threaten China's interests. He mentioned that China responded by conducting its patrols in the area.

China is one of six countries that claim parts of the South China Sea. A United Nations-backed court ruled against China's claims, but China ignored the decision and built artificial islands with airstrips and military bases. Chinese coast guard and militia often clash with ships from Vietnam and the Philippines.

China says it does not block trade in the South China Sea, a major global shipping route. However, it opposes foreign military presence in the area, which is also believed to have significant oil and gas reserves. While China says it wants to negotiate with other countries regarding the use of the sea, little progress has been made.

The U.S. does not take a formal position on territorial claims but has maintained military bases and alliances in the region for a long time. China is especially unhappy about U.S. naval operations where American ships sail near Chinese-controlled areas to show they do not recognize China's claims.