Chinese ships briefly enter waters around the group of islands . China described the deal as `` illegal and invalid . '' The U.S. Navy has been conducting regular patrols in the South China Sea for years and is now carrying out a series of exercises with its allies to show that it can defend itself from any potential threat. Japan controls the islands , but China claims they are part of its territory .
Chinese ships briefly enter waters around the group of islands . The U.S. Navy has been conducting regular patrols in the South China Sea for years and is now carrying out a series of exercises with its allies to show that it can defend itself from any potential threat. Japan controls the islands , but China claims they are part of its territory .