"Conducting military exercises in the disputed region of the South China Sea is counterproductive in relation to efforts to reduce tensions and maintain stability," the US military website said in a statement.

The Pentagon noted that these actions violate Chinese obligations under the Declaration of Action of the Parties in the South China Sea in 2002.

Earlier, the US House of Representatives approved a bill on sanctions against banks that deal with officials from China who are responsible for the National Security Act in Hong Kong.