Manila, April 24 -- A ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said while China is not expected to interfere in the ongoing "Balikatan" exercise, they are prepared to implement contingency measures for such an event.

"Yes, there are appropriate measures in place," PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a media briefing Tuesday afternoon, but he did not elaborate due to security reasons.

Asked why he believes China will not interfere in the three-week drills, Trinidad said it is because the "activity is between the United States and the Philippines."

"Historically, the illegal, unprovoked, uncalled-for actions of China will only be (against the) Philippines," Trinidad said.

He also declined to c...