China has claimed sovereignty over an uninhabited reef in the South China Sea, according to state media, setting the stage for an escalation of tensions with the Philippines over the disputed area.

Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets and Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons are participating in Balikatan, annual combat drills that began Monday and run through May 9.

In previewing the drills, military officials mentioned not only the disputed waterway but also the potential deterrent effect in the Taiwan Strait.