China carried out some "counter attack" exercises shortly after US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson began its 'routing' patrol operations in the South China Sea on Saturday.

China deployed naval forces to the disputed waterway on Sunday for "counter attack" drills, China's state-run Xinhua News agency reported. Two Chinese missile destroyers Changsha and Haikou also participated in the defense drills.

Like Us on Facebook

The Changsha and the Haikou, which are part of the People's Liberation Army Navy South China Sea fleet, practiced firing on simulated enemy destroyers, according to Daily Caller. Both missile destroyers also took part in a series of larger drills involving the Beihai and East China Sea fleets, and the naval aviation units from the Paracel and Spratly Islands.

China on Tuesday has expressed opposition to other countries' action under the pretext of freedom of navigation. "China always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight all countries enjoy under international law," Geng Shuang, a spokesperson from China's foreign ministry, said.

"But we are consistently opposed to relevant countries threatening and damaging the sovereignty and security of littoral countries under the flag of freedom of navigation and overflight," he said, adding that China is hoping the other nations will exert more effort to protect and maintain regional peace and stability.

China claims several contested shoals, islets, and reefs in the region. It also has established artificial islands with airstrips. An estimated $5 trillion worth of trade passes through the South China Sea every year.

Neighboring countries like Brunei, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam have been claiming parts of the contested waters for its strategic sea lanes and fish- and mineral-rich grounds.

TagsSouth China Sea, china, Military exercises, USS Carl Vinson, Changsha missile destroyer, Haikou missile destroyer