China and Russia started war games in the South China Sea on Monday, Beijing's defense ministry said, in a show of force an international tribunal invalidated the Asian giant's extensive claims in the area. The eight-day joint exercise will include a focus on "seizing and controlling" islands and shoals, Chinese navy spokesman Liang Yang said in a statement. China claims almost all of the South China Sea and has sought to bolster its case by building a series of artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities.

China war drills focus on 'seizing islands'. (2016, September 13). Manila Times, pp. A1, A2.