China sounds warning after Philippines and US announce most expansive military drills yet

Exercises starting on Monday will be the first to be held outside Philippines' territorial waters, and come amid a rise in tensions in the South China Sea

Philippine and US forces will carry out their first ever military exercises outside the south-east Asian country's territorial waters, in a move China has said will only lead to greater insecurity in the South China Sea.

The annual Balikatan or shoulder-to-shoulder" drills - which will run from 22 April to 10 May - will involve 16,700 soldiers simulating retaking enemy-occupied islands in areas facing Taiwan and the South China Sea.