China is set to join the largest US-led multinational military exercises dubbed the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) in June and July amid growing tensions between the two sides over Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The naval drills, to be hosted by the US, will be held in the waters off Hawaii and some parts of the South China Sea, a top US Navy official said on Friday.

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"The People's Liberation Army Navy(PLAN) will participate in an exercise, the largest exercise that we do, in a couple of months," Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, commander of the US Seventh Fleet, told reporters on Friday.

Uncertain

Earlier, the US was hesitant about inviting China to the exercises in the wake of its aggressive maritime claims in the South China Sea. Washington said last March that it was "reassessing China's participation in the exercises."

Although the Chinese navy has participated in previous exercises held every two years, the upcoming military war games come at a time when Beijing is aggressively asserting its maritime claims in Asia.

Despite US lawmakers' opposition to China's participation in the US-led military drills, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Beijing was still invited to join the event.

Disaster relief

"It's a way to better understand one another, to work together closer, so it was really good that we were able to have the PLAN participate in the last Rim of the Pacific, and they're participating. Also, we can help one another, especially with things like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," Aucoin said.

Beijing has announced that it is preparing to hold its maritime drills this month in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

It has deployed its guided missile destroyer, warships, submarines, and other vessels near disputed islands in the international waterway as part of the exercises.

Beijing said the military drills are 'routine exercises' aimed at upgrading the naval readiness and capabilities of the PLAN.

TagsRim of the Pacific Exercises, china, Washington, military drills, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, humanitarian assistance