China announces South China Sea exercises

A Hainan province official says an area southeast of the Chinese island will be closed until Thursday because of military exercises.

In this file photo a Chinese missile frigate Yuncheng launches an anti-ship missile during a military exercise in the waters near south China's Hainan Island. Source: AP

China says it is closing off a part of the South China Sea for military exercises this week, days after the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against Beijing's claim to ownership of virtually the entire strategic waterway.

The maritime administration of Hainan province said on Monday that an area southeast of the island would be closed until Thursday but gave no details about the nature of the exercises.

Shinzo Abe shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Meeting took place after international tribunal rejected China's claim to South China Sea. Source: AP

China rejected the tribunal's ruling in the case initiated by the Philippines and refused to take part in the arbitration. The tribunal ruled that China violated international maritime law by building up artificial islands that destroyed coral reefs and by disrupting fishing and oil exploration.

Six governments in all claim territory in the South China Sea.