Manila — The Philippines will continue to build security alliances and conduct joint combat drills in disputed waters to protect its territorial interests, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said Friday, dismissing Chinese criticism of it as wanting more from the Philippines.

Defense Secretary Gilberto was addressing top military brass in Manila on Friday to mark the founding anniversary of the Philippine Navy.

Defense Minister Gilberto criticized China

Without naming China, Gilberto explicitly criticized Beijing's increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea. "The Philippines will not tolerate aggression and provocative moves," he said.

Philippines did maneuvers with US Army

Following last year's clash with China in the South China Sea, the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken steps to forge new security alliances with several Asian and Western countries and allowed the presence of U.S. troops at more Philippine bases under a 2014 defense pact.

In April and May, the Philippine military conducted annual drills with U.S. forces in and near the disputed waters.