Chinese media had earlier warned of a war in case access to the islands was denied by the US
India supports freedom of navigation, over flight and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law
China dismissed the PCA verdict on the South China Sea dispute, terming it illegal and unjust
Involving more nighttime manoeuvres and harsher requirements for live-fire assaults, the drill will be tougher than previous versions
Top diplomat Yang Jiechi said that the issue of sovereignty over the features in the disputed region was 'China's bottom line'
Hague's PCA this week ruled that China's vast territorial claims are violating international maritime law
ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan, have competing claims to parts of the sea
White House also warned against provocative and inflammatory comments
Manila has reacted cautiously to Tuesday's ruling, calling for restraint and sobriety