China warns of the end of its patience with US provocations in the South China Sea

China's Defense Minister has warned the US of deploying ballistic missiles in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing that there are limits to Beijing's restraint in dealing with such provocative acts in the South China Sea.

Dong Jun raised the alarm Sunday at an international security forum in Singapore in an apparent reference to the United States and the Philippines, which have increased their military ties to stem what they claim is the growing military power and influence of China in the South China Sea.

"China has been very patient in the face of rights violations and provocations, but there are limits to that," Dong said at the Shangri-La Dialogue, attended by defense officials from around the world.

The two longtime treaty allies, the United States and the Philippines, have been working to consolidate their alliance and partnership in the Asia-Pacific region, which has irked Beijing.

The US military said in April it had deployed an intermediate-range missile system capable of firing the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk Attack missile to the northern Philippines for annual joint exercises.

Dong said the deployment of "intermediate-range ballistic missiles" was "severely damaging regional security and stability".