Militant groups today protested the largest joint combat exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines as the Southeast Asian nation faces territorial threats from China.

Leftist organistations marched to the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City to slam the launch of the 2024 'Balikatan Exercises' on April 22.

The protesters denounced what they called 'imperialist war games' allegedly orchestrated by the U.S. as they called for the removal of American military bases in the Philippines.

The rally was held as the start of the bilateral drills was formally marked at the AFP headquarters.

The 2024 Balikatan Exercises is said to be the biggest iteration yet involving some 16,700 soldiers from both allied nations. It will run from April 22 to May 10, and will be carried out beyond the Philippines' 12-nautical-mile territorial zone.

However, China warned that the move will only worsen tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said: 'Attempts to bring in external forces to safeguard its so-called security will only lead to greater insecurity for itself.'

The Philippines has seen a number of clashes with Chinese vessels in the South China Sea in recent months.

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.