Manila, April 30 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said there is nothing provocative over its holding of joint exercises with its allies within the Philippines' maritime domains.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla issued the statement after China criticized the country's joint patrols with its allies, calling it maritime infringement provocations.

"The AFP stands firm in exercising our sovereign rights within our maritime domain. The conduct of joint exercises and maritime domain awareness operations within our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone is not a provocation -it is preparedness," she added.

Padilla also said these joint exercises are deliberate, lawful actions anchored on interna...