China will hold military drills in the disputed South China Sea, Chinese officials said Sunday, ahead of an international tribunal ruling over Beijing’s maritime claims in the resource-rich area. The drills will be held in waters around the Paracel Islands from July 5 to 11, with other ships prohibited from entering the waters during that time, a short statement by the maritime safety administration said. The military exercises come as an international tribunal in The Hague prepares to rule on a case brought by the Philippines challenging China’s claims in the strategic waterway.

Araneta, S. (2016, July 4). China to stage sea exercises ahead of ruling. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.