China will be conducting a three-day military drill in the South China Sea this week, Chinese state media said, citing the Maritime Safety Agency (MSA).

The three-day military exercise will be conducted from June 19 to June 21. The announcement comes just days after a ruling by the Hague-based international tribunal invalidated China's claim over almost the entire South China Sea.

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The military drill is likely to be seen as China's effort to assert its claim over contested maritime territory in the wake of the global backlash over the South China Sea verdict. The Chinese government has categorically stated that international tribunal's verdict would not affect the country's claims over the maritime territory.

According to ABC News, the three-day military drill will be conducted in an area that is not considered very highly sensitive. The area will be completely cordoned off during the military drill.

The hotly contested South China Sea region frequently witnesses military exercises conducted by China and other claimants. Last year, the US and its allies started conducting freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea in a bid to counter China's assertive claim over the maritime territory.                 

The announcement of China's latest military exercise comes amid the visit of top US Navy Admiral John Richardson to China. Richardson is likely to discuss the South China Sea verdict with Chinese officials during his visit.       

China is claiming sovereignty over a large portion of the South China Sea. Brunei, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam have competing claims over the maritime territory.

TagsSouth China Sea, china, Hague Tribunal, South China Sea Case Permanent Court of Arbitration, South China Sea Militray Exercise