The Chinese military on Wednesday conducted exercises in Sansha in the southern province of Hainan.

The exercises were aimed to enhance the soldiers' combat capabilities in the event of a surprise attack, the South China Morning Post said.

The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), however, accused China of "provocation in the waters."

"We continue to call on China to act responsibly and refrain from taking further action that will heighten tensions in the region," said DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez.