US House speaker Nancy Pelosi is on the last leg of a trip to Asia, she's currently in Tokyo after briefly stopping in Taiwan and infuriating Beijing who retaliated by launching its largest ever military drills around the island.

Japan lodges diplomatic protest with Beijing over drills

South Korea and the United States staged their first combined military drill involving an American aircraft carrier since 2017. On the other side, North Korea shows signs of resuming nuclear tests.

North Korea test-fires 8 ballistic missiles as US, South Korea wrap up 3-day joint drills

Taiwan has showcased its military might. The US made Stander missiles were launched from war ships by Taiwan in a show of strength.

Taiwan showcases military might: US made missile part of Taiwan drills

The United States and South Korea held combined live-fire drills on Wednesday in response to North Korea's missile tests just after US President Joe Biden ended his first Asia trip.

After North Korea fires 3 missiles, US & South Korea hold live-fire drills

Another round of drills has been held by Chinese armed forces near Taiwan, the People`s Liberation Army said on Monday. &nbsp;

The drills were carried out to improve joint combat operations last week, a news report said citing the army. &nbsp;

This comes as there have been several speculations of a Chinese attack on Taiwan after it has increased activity near the island it claims. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-appoints-new-hong-kong-leader-who-is-john-lee-477399" hreflang="en">China appoints new Hong Kong leader: Who is John Lee?</a>

For the last two years, Taiwan has also complained about the rise in the Chinese military activities nearby. Mostly, these activities have been held in the southern and southwestern part of the air defence identification zone&nbsp;or ADIZ of island. &nbsp;

On Friday, Taiwan's air force was put into action after 18 Chinese aircraft had entered its air defence zone. Incursions were also witnessed on Saturday and Sunday. However, no shots were fired. &nbsp;

In a statement, Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army said that naval and air force assets held drills near east and southwest of Taiwan from Friday to Sunday. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Seoul joins NATO's cyber defence unit, China terms the move as 'provocation'

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Without elaboration, it said the exercises were held to "further test and improve the joint combat capability of multiple services and arms." &nbsp;

The equipment involved in the drills included fighters, bombers and anti-submarine aircraft, Defence Ministry of Taiwan said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Another round of drills has been held by Chinese armed forces near Taiwan, the People`s Liberation Army said on Monday. The drills were carried out to improve joint combat operations last week, a news report said citing the army.

Another round of drills has been held by Chinese armed forces near Taiwan, the People`s Liberation Army said on Monday. The drills were carried out to improve joint combat operations last week, a news report said citing the army. This comes as there have been several speculations of a Chinese attack on Taiwan after it has increased activity near the island it claims. Also Read: China appoints new Hong Kong leader: Who is John Lee? For the last two years, Taiwan has also complained about the rise in the Chinese military activities nearby. Mostly, these activities have been held in the southern and southwestern part of the air defence identification zone or ADIZ of island. On Friday, Taiwan's air force was put into action after 18 Chinese aircraft had entered its air defence zone. Incursions were also witnessed on Saturday and Sunday. However, no shots were fired. In a statement, Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army said that naval and air force assets held drills near east and southwest of Taiwan from Friday to Sunday. Watch: Seoul joins NATO's cyber defence unit, China terms the move as 'provocation' × Without elaboration, it said the exercises were held to "further test and improve the joint combat capability of multiple services and arms." The equipment involved in the drills included fighters, bombers and anti-submarine aircraft, Defence Ministry of Taiwan said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Is it preparation for war? Chinese armed forces hold another round of drills near Taiwan, says PLA

With the rise in the weapons tests carried out by North Korea, tensions are heightened in the region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In what could flare it up more, US and Japanese warships have conducted joint naval exercise in the area&nbsp;on Tuesday and Wednesday. &nbsp;

It was led by the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. For the first time in five years, the US aircraft carrier has taken part in an exercise in waters between Japan and the Korean Peninsula. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-north-us-aircraft-carrier-deploys-off-korean-peninsula-470458" hreflang="en">Amid tensions with North, US aircraft carrier deploys off Korean peninsula</a>

The move seems to have been taken to deter provocation from North Korea. But the show of the military strength by the US and Japan is most likely to attract a sharp reaction from Kim Jong un-led nation. &nbsp;

This comes amid speculation that North Korea is looking to hold another missile or nuclear test later this week. &nbsp;

A joint naval exercise was carried out in the Sea of Japan by the US 7th Fleet and Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Tropical storm Megi wreaks havoc across Philippines

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The ongoing joint exercise is "aimed at strengthening military cooperation between Japan and the United States, and is not keeping in mind a specific country.... We will continue to strengthen deterrence and response capability of the Japan-US Alliance and to do utmost for the defense of our country," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a tweet, the Japanese navy said, "Our works contribute to the regional peace and stability." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With the rise in the weapons tests carried out by North Korea, tensions are heightened in the region. In what could flare it up more, US and Japanese warships have conducted joint naval exercise in the area on Tuesday and Wednesday.

With the rise in the weapons tests carried out by North Korea, tensions are heightened in the region. In what could flare it up more, US and Japanese warships have conducted joint naval exercise in the area on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was led by the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. For the first time in five years, the US aircraft carrier has taken part in an exercise in waters between Japan and the Korean Peninsula. Also Read: Amid tensions with North, US aircraft carrier deploys off Korean peninsula The move seems to have been taken to deter provocation from North Korea. But the show of the military strength by the US and Japan is most likely to attract a sharp reaction from Kim Jong un-led nation. This comes amid speculation that North Korea is looking to hold another missile or nuclear test later this week. A joint naval exercise was carried out in the Sea of Japan by the US 7th Fleet and Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force. Watch: Tropical storm Megi wreaks havoc across Philippines × The ongoing joint exercise is "aimed at strengthening military cooperation between Japan and the United States, and is not keeping in mind a specific country.... We will continue to strengthen deterrence and response capability of the Japan-US Alliance and to do utmost for the defense of our country," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters. In a tweet, the Japanese navy said, "Our works contribute to the regional peace and stability." (With inputs from agencies)

Tensions may flare up in Koreas as US, Japan navies carry out drills in region

Ukraine&nbsp;on Monday launched joint military exercises with the United States and other NATO countries as tensions with Russia remain high over the Kremlin-backed insurgency in the country's east.

The annual Rapid Trident military exercises, taking place in western Ukrainian until October 1, involve some 6,000 soldiers from 15 countries,&nbsp;Ukraine's defence ministry said in a statement.

The head of the exercises, Brigadier General Vladyslav Klochkov, said the drills were "an important step towards&nbsp;Ukraine's European integration".

"The Ukrainian military, which has been holding back Russian aggression for eight years, will share its unique combat experience with its international colleagues," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-starts-deporting-haitian-migrants-from-texas-414316">Also read |&nbsp;US starts deporting Haitian migrants from Texas</a>

The drills start a week after Russia and Belarus held military exercises involving 200,000 personnel, one of their biggest drills in recent years.

More than 13,000 people have been killed since the rebel insurgency broke out in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions in April 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea from&nbsp;Ukraine.

At least 54 Ukrainian troops have been killed since the start of the year, compared with a total of 50 the previous year. The separatists say they have lost more than 30 fighters since the start of the year.

Ukraine&nbsp;and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms to support the separatists, which Moscow denies.

In April, Russia amassed around 100,000 troops on&nbsp;Ukraine's borders, raising fears of a major escalation in the protracted conflict. Moscow later announced a pullback.

Ukraine on Monday launched joint military exercises with the United States and other NATO countries as tensions with Russia remain high over the Kremlin-backed insurgency in the country's east.

Ukraine on Monday launched joint military exercises with the United States and other NATO countries as tensions with Russia remain high over the Kremlin-backed insurgency in the country's east. The annual Rapid Trident military exercises, taking place in western Ukrainian until October 1, involve some 6,000 soldiers from 15 countries, Ukraine's defence ministry said in a statement. The head of the exercises, Brigadier General Vladyslav Klochkov, said the drills were "an important step towards Ukraine's European integration". "The Ukrainian military, which has been holding back Russian aggression for eight years, will share its unique combat experience with its international colleagues," he added. Also read | US starts deporting Haitian migrants from Texas The drills start a week after Russia and Belarus held military exercises involving 200,000 personnel, one of their biggest drills in recent years. More than 13,000 people have been killed since the rebel insurgency broke out in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions in April 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. At least 54 Ukrainian troops have been killed since the start of the year, compared with a total of 50 the previous year. The separatists say they have lost more than 30 fighters since the start of the year. Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms to support the separatists, which Moscow denies. In April, Russia amassed around 100,000 troops on Ukraine's borders, raising fears of a major escalation in the protracted conflict. Moscow later announced a pullback.

Ukraine launches military drills with NATO

Russia has announced that more than 10,000 of its troops that had stationed along the border with Ukraine have finished their month-long drills near Ukraine and are now returning to their permanent base.

Russia: Month-long military drills concluded near Ukraine

Amid the ongoing tensions between Iran, the US and Israel on the revival of the nuclear deal, Iran's forces conduct war games as a show of strength.

Iran holds military drills as a show of strength to US & Israel amid tensions regarding Nuclear deal

Taiwan holds anti-invasion drills amid invasion fears from China which claims sovereignty over the island nation. China may also deploy troops near the Taiwan border.

Taiwan holds military drills amid China invasion fears

Russian and Tajik troops on Friday held a joint exercise near Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan as part of efforts to prepare for potential security threats from Afghanistan.

Russian and Tajik troops hold joint drills at the Momirak firing range in Tajikistan

As annual drills reached their peak, Taiwanese fighter jets landed on a makeshift runway on a highway strip on Wednesday. &nbsp;

The drills, which were overseen by President Tsai Ing-wen, looked to enhance capabilities of the security forces that would come in handy if China attacks and targets Taiwan's vulnerable air bases. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea fires ballistic missiles into sea

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In the exercise, three fighters, an F-16, French-made Mirage and a Ching-kuo indigenous defence fighter, and an E-2 Hawkeye early warning aircraft landed on a highway strip specially designed to be straight and flat for rapid conversion from a road into a runway in rural southern Pingtung county.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Across the island, Taiwan has constructed five emergency highway runways, which can be pressed into service in the event a Chinese attack takes out air force bases. It means the air force will still be able to operate. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-test-fires-first-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-hours-after-north-korean-launches-413239" hreflang="en">South Korea test-fires first submarine-launched ballistic missile, hours after North Korean launches</a>

The week-long Han Kuang drills are taking place around Taiwan. In it, exercises are being undertaken to practise repelling a Chinese invasion, protecting critical infrastructure and night operations. &nbsp;

On Facebook, Tsai wrote, "Such splendid combat skills and rapid and real actions come from solid everyday training and also demonstrate the confidence of the Republic of China Air Force in defending its airspace." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As annual drills reached their peak, Taiwanese fighter jets landed on a makeshift runway on a highway strip on Wednesday. The drills, which were overseen by President Tsai Ing-wen, looked to enhance capabilities of the security forces that would come in handy if China attacks and targets Taiwan's vulnerable air bases.

As annual drills reached their peak, Taiwanese fighter jets landed on a makeshift runway on a highway strip on Wednesday. The drills, which were overseen by President Tsai Ing-wen, looked to enhance capabilities of the security forces that would come in handy if China attacks and targets Taiwan's vulnerable air bases. Watch: North Korea fires ballistic missiles into sea × In the exercise, three fighters, an F-16, French-made Mirage and a Ching-kuo indigenous defence fighter, and an E-2 Hawkeye early warning aircraft landed on a highway strip specially designed to be straight and flat for rapid conversion from a road into a runway in rural southern Pingtung county. Across the island, Taiwan has constructed five emergency highway runways, which can be pressed into service in the event a Chinese attack takes out air force bases. It means the air force will still be able to operate. Also Read: South Korea test-fires first submarine-launched ballistic missile, hours after North Korean launches The week-long Han Kuang drills are taking place around Taiwan. In it, exercises are being undertaken to practise repelling a Chinese invasion, protecting critical infrastructure and night operations. On Facebook, Tsai wrote, "Such splendid combat skills and rapid and real actions come from solid everyday training and also demonstrate the confidence of the Republic of China Air Force in defending its airspace." (With inputs from agencies)

In drills to prepare for a China attack, Taiwan lands jets on highway

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. 
 
South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises, mainly in the spring and summer, which North Korea routinely denounces as rehearsals for war. 
 
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned Seoul on Sunday that holding the drills would undercut efforts to rebuild relations. 
 
Her warning came days after the two Koreas restored hotlines Pyongyang severed a year ago and South Korean officials said Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in were seeking to repair strained ties and resume summits. 
 
South Korea's defence ministry said Seoul and Washington were in talks over the drills but no decision had yet been made. 
 
"We have nothing to comment on her statement, but regarding the exercises, the timing and method have not been finalised," ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan told a briefing. 
 
He said the allies would make a decision after considering COVID-19, joint defence posture, planned transfer of wartime operational control, and the issue of "supporting diplomatic efforts for establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula." 
 
Lee Jong-joo, spokeswoman of Seoul's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the exercises should not be a "source of military tension in any case", without elaborating. 
 
The Pentagon also declined to comment on Kim Yo Jong's statement. It said it did not comment on "planned or conducted training readiness" but "combined training events" were a bilateral decision "and any decisions will be a mutual agreement." 
 
A US&nbsp;State Department spokesperson reiterated that Washington "supports inter-Korean dialogue and engagement, and welcomes the recent developments related to inter-Korean communication," adding that "diplomacy and dialogue are essential to achieving the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." 
 
At the same time, US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news briefing Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to call on Southeast Asian counterparts in a meeting this week to fully implement sanctions on North Korea. 
 
A US&nbsp;official briefing reporters ahead of a series of virtual regional meetings this week, said North Korea's foreign minister was expected to attend one, the ASEAN Regional Forum, but Blinken, who would also take part, had no plan to engage with him on any particular issue. 
 
US-South Korea exercises have been scaled back in recent years to facilitate talks between North Korea and the administration of former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes in return for US&nbsp;sanctions relief. 
 
But the negotiations stalled following a failed second Trump-Kim summit in 2019. 
 
The pandemic has affected the drills, with the allies focusing on computerised simulations and minimising live field training without mobilising US-based troops. 
 
A high-level Unification Ministry official said on Friday the exercises should be postponed to help restart talks, but Lee declined to comment when asked if the ministry plans to make a formal recommendation. 
 
Lee said Seoul last week proposed setting up a video conference system to expedite inter-Korean dialogue and approved plans by two civilian relief groups to send humanitarian aid to North Korea.

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations.

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises, mainly in the spring and summer, which North Korea routinely denounces as rehearsals for war. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned Seoul on Sunday that holding the drills would undercut efforts to rebuild relations. Her warning came days after the two Koreas restored hotlines Pyongyang severed a year ago and South Korean officials said Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in were seeking to repair strained ties and resume summits. South Korea's defence ministry said Seoul and Washington were in talks over the drills but no decision had yet been made. "We have nothing to comment on her statement, but regarding the exercises, the timing and method have not been finalised," ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan told a briefing. He said the allies would make a decision after considering COVID-19, joint defence posture, planned transfer of wartime operational control, and the issue of "supporting diplomatic efforts for establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula." Lee Jong-joo, spokeswoman of Seoul's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the exercises should not be a "source of military tension in any case", without elaborating. The Pentagon also declined to comment on Kim Yo Jong's statement. It said it did not comment on "planned or conducted training readiness" but "combined training events" were a bilateral decision "and any decisions will be a mutual agreement." A US State Department spokesperson reiterated that Washington "supports inter-Korean dialogue and engagement, and welcomes the recent developments related to inter-Korean communication," adding that "diplomacy and dialogue are essential to achieving the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." At the same time, US State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news briefing Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to call on Southeast Asian counterparts in a meeting this week to fully implement sanctions on North Korea. A US official briefing reporters ahead of a series of virtual regional meetings this week, said North Korea's foreign minister was expected to attend one, the ASEAN Regional Forum, but Blinken, who would also take part, had no plan to engage with him on any particular issue. US-South Korea exercises have been scaled back in recent years to facilitate talks between North Korea and the administration of former US President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes in return for US sanctions relief. But the negotiations stalled following a failed second Trump-Kim summit in 2019. The pandemic has affected the drills, with the allies focusing on computerised simulations and minimising live field training without mobilising US-based troops. A high-level Unification Ministry official said on Friday the exercises should be postponed to help restart talks, but Lee declined to comment when asked if the ministry plans to make a formal recommendation. Lee said Seoul last week proposed setting up a video conference system to expedite inter-Korean dialogue and approved plans by two civilian relief groups to send humanitarian aid to North Korea.

Seoul says no decision on US drills, but exercises should not create North Korea tension

Russia checked the readiness of its air defence system in Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday. 
 
The Sea Breeze military drills follow a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident.

In the military exercise in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine, more than&nbsp;30 countries are taking part, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills.

Russia says Crimea is its territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine.

Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security.

Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps will take part.

Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations.

Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine.

Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia checked the readiness of its air defence system in Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday.

Russia checked the readiness of its air defence system in Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday. The Sea Breeze military drills follow a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident. In the military exercise in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine, more than 30 countries are taking part, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills. Russia says Crimea is its territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine. Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security. Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps will take part. Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations. Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine. Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia checks Crimea air defence system as Ukraine, US start Black Sea drills: Interfax

Mexican authorities announced Friday a further easing of pandemic&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;measures in the&nbsp;capital&nbsp;and the resumption of earthquake simulation&nbsp;drills, reflecting a decline in new coronavirus cases and deaths.

Mexico City&nbsp;will move next week to yellow status, the second lowest of four under the country's traffic-light system, Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum announced.

The move will&nbsp;ease&nbsp;restrictions on capacity or opening hours for businesses including shops, cinemas, casinos, amusement parks and banks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Relatives of Mexico metro crash victims demand justice">Relatives of Mexico metro crash victims demand justice</a>

The government also announced nationwide plans to restart earthquake and other disaster&nbsp;drills&nbsp;that were suspended last year because of the pandemic.

The exercises, held regularly before the health crisis, aim to prepare the country for the inevitable next major tremor to strike one of the most seismically active regions on Earth.

In&nbsp;Mexico City&nbsp;and other areas of seismic risk, the May 19&nbsp;drills&nbsp;will simulate an earthquake with a magnitude greater than seven, while elsewhere authorities will pick a different type of disaster.

Alarms will ring out in the&nbsp;capital, whose warning system using seismic monitors aims to give residents up to two minutes' warning of earthquakes with epicenters along the Pacific Coast.

Mexico's official Covid-19 death toll of around 218,000 is one of the highest in the world, and the actual figure is believed to be significantly worse.

But in contrast to many parts of the world, new cases and fatalities have declined since a surge in January that the authorities blamed on social gatherings around the New Year.

Hospitalizations for Covid-19 have declined for 16 consecutive weeks, according to the health ministry.

In&nbsp;Mexico City, hospital occupancy has fallen to 16.5 per cent, from a peak of 90 per cent.

The country of 126 million has administered 20.5 million coronavirus vaccine doses, including more than 600,000 on Wednesday -- the most yet in a single day.

Mexican authorities announced Friday a further easing of pandemic lockdown measures in the capital and the resumption of earthquake simulation drills, reflecting a decline in new coronavirus cases and deaths.

Mexican authorities announced Friday a further easing of pandemic lockdown measures in the capital and the resumption of earthquake simulation drills, reflecting a decline in new coronavirus cases and deaths. Mexico City will move next week to yellow status, the second lowest of four under the country's traffic-light system, Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum announced. The move will ease restrictions on capacity or opening hours for businesses including shops, cinemas, casinos, amusement parks and banks. Also read | Relatives of Mexico metro crash victims demand justice The government also announced nationwide plans to restart earthquake and other disaster drills that were suspended last year because of the pandemic. The exercises, held regularly before the health crisis, aim to prepare the country for the inevitable next major tremor to strike one of the most seismically active regions on Earth. In Mexico City and other areas of seismic risk, the May 19 drills will simulate an earthquake with a magnitude greater than seven, while elsewhere authorities will pick a different type of disaster. Alarms will ring out in the capital, whose warning system using seismic monitors aims to give residents up to two minutes' warning of earthquakes with epicenters along the Pacific Coast. Mexico's official Covid-19 death toll of around 218,000 is one of the highest in the world, and the actual figure is believed to be significantly worse. But in contrast to many parts of the world, new cases and fatalities have declined since a surge in January that the authorities blamed on social gatherings around the New Year. Hospitalizations for Covid-19 have declined for 16 consecutive weeks, according to the health ministry. In Mexico City, hospital occupancy has fallen to 16.5 per cent, from a peak of 90 per cent. The country of 126 million has administered 20.5 million coronavirus vaccine doses, including more than 600,000 on Wednesday -- the most yet in a single day.

Mexico to ease capital lockdown, resume quake drills

China has no business telling the Philippines what it can or cannot do within its waters, Manila's defence ministry said on Wednesday, rejecting Beijing's opposition to its ongoing coastguard exercises. &nbsp;

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes each year. In 2016, an arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled that claim, which Beijing bases on its old maps, was inconsistent with international law. &nbsp;

Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters that Beijing had "no authority or legal basis to prevent us from conducting these exercises" in the South China Sea because "their claims... have no basis".&nbsp;

The Philippine coastguard and fisheries bureau started maritime exercises on Saturday inside the country's 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), following an announcement of a boosting of its presence to counter the 'threatening' presence of Chinese boats. &nbsp;

Responding to the exercises, China's foreign ministry on Monday said the Philippines should "stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes".&nbsp;

The Philippine defence ministry in a statement responded saying: "China has no business telling the Philippines what it can and cannot do."&nbsp;

The Philippines has taken a tough tone in recent weeks over the lingering presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in its EEZ, reviving tensions that had eased due to President Rodrigo Duterte's embrace of Beijing.&nbsp;

While the Philippines owed China a 'huge debt' of gratitude for many things, including free COVID-19 vaccines, Duterte said on Wednesday, he would not compromise on his country's sovereignty in the South China Sea. &nbsp;

"So China, let it be known, is a good friend and we don't want trouble with them, especially a war," Duterte said in a late-night address. "But there are things that are not really subject to a compromise ... I hope they will understand but I have the interest of my country also to protect." &nbsp;

On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin ordered the filing of another diplomatic protest, one of more than a dozen recently, this time over China's rebuke.&nbsp;

"They can say what they want from the Chinese mainland; we continue to assert from our waters by right of international law what we won in The Hague. But we must not fail to protest," Locsin said in a Tweet. &nbsp;

The exercises took place near a Philippine-held island in the disputed Spratly archipelago and at the heavily contested Scarborough Shoal, which the tribunal in 2016 said was a traditional fishing spot for several countries.&nbsp;

Lorenzana said it was China that was complicating matters by illegally occupying reefs it turned into artificial islands.&nbsp;

"It is they who are encroaching and should desist and leave," he said.&nbsp;

China has no business telling the Philippines what it can or cannot do within its waters, Manila's defence ministry said on Wednesday, rejecting Beijing's opposition to its ongoing coastguard exercises.

China has no business telling the Philippines what it can or cannot do within its waters, Manila's defence ministry said on Wednesday, rejecting Beijing's opposition to its ongoing coastguard exercises. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes each year. In 2016, an arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled that claim, which Beijing bases on its old maps, was inconsistent with international law. Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters that Beijing had "no authority or legal basis to prevent us from conducting these exercises" in the South China Sea because "their claims... have no basis". The Philippine coastguard and fisheries bureau started maritime exercises on Saturday inside the country's 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), following an announcement of a boosting of its presence to counter the 'threatening' presence of Chinese boats. Responding to the exercises, China's foreign ministry on Monday said the Philippines should "stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes". The Philippine defence ministry in a statement responded saying: "China has no business telling the Philippines what it can and cannot do." The Philippines has taken a tough tone in recent weeks over the lingering presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in its EEZ, reviving tensions that had eased due to President Rodrigo Duterte's embrace of Beijing. While the Philippines owed China a 'huge debt' of gratitude for many things, including free COVID-19 vaccines, Duterte said on Wednesday, he would not compromise on his country's sovereignty in the South China Sea. "So China, let it be known, is a good friend and we don't want trouble with them, especially a war," Duterte said in a late-night address. "But there are things that are not really subject to a compromise ... I hope they will understand but I have the interest of my country also to protect." On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin ordered the filing of another diplomatic protest, one of more than a dozen recently, this time over China's rebuke. "They can say what they want from the Chinese mainland; we continue to assert from our waters by right of international law what we won in The Hague. But we must not fail to protest," Locsin said in a Tweet. The exercises took place near a Philippine-held island in the disputed Spratly archipelago and at the heavily contested Scarborough Shoal, which the tribunal in 2016 said was a traditional fishing spot for several countries. Lorenzana said it was China that was complicating matters by illegally occupying reefs it turned into artificial islands. "It is they who are encroaching and should desist and leave," he said.

Philippines tells China to mind its own business over maritime drills 

China described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" on Wednesday, hours before the arrival of senior former US&nbsp;officials in Taipei on a trip to signal President Joe Biden`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. 
 
Taiwan has complained over the proximity of repeated Chinese military activity, including fighter jets and bombers entering its air defence zone and a Chinese aircraft carrier exercising off the island, claimed by Beijing. 
 
Twenty-five Chinese air force aircraft including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers entered Taiwan`s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Monday, the largest reported incursion by Taipei to date. 
 
China`s Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan`s government and separatists were colluding with "external forces", seeking provocation and to damage peace and stability. 
 
"The People`s Liberation Army`s organising of actual combat exercises in the Taiwan Strait is a necessary action to address the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," spokesman Ma Xiaoguang said. 
 
"It is a solemn response to external forces` interference and provocations by Taiwan independence" forces, he added. 
 
"The PLA`s military exercises and training operations are sending a signal that our determination to curb Taiwan independence and Taiwan-US&nbsp;collusion is not just talk." 
 
The United States, which like most countries only officially recognises China`s government and not Taiwan`s though is Taipei`s strongest international backer, has watched tensions mount with growing alarm. 
 
Former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd and former Deputy Secretaries of State Richard Armitage and James Steinberg arrive in Taiwan later on Wednesday, in what a White House official called a "personal signal" of the president`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. 
 
They are due to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday, on a trip that is further straining Sino-US&nbsp;relations. 
 
Presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said the trip "again shows the Taiwan-US&nbsp;relationship is rock solid, and is a full expression of cross-party support for Taiwan in the United States". 
 
Tsai has repeatedly said Taiwan is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name. 
 
Ma said a meeting with the president "will only exacerbate the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait". 
 
"We resolutely oppose the US` exaggeration of the so-called `Chinese military threat` argument, and resolutely oppose the US&nbsp;playing the `Taiwan card` and continuing to send wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces," he added. 
 
"Taiwan independence is a dead end and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party are trying to "use arms to seek independence", Ma said. 
 
"That is to drink poison in the hopes of slaking one`s thirst, and will only push Taiwan towards disaster."

China described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" on Wednesday, hours before the arrival of senior former US officials in Taipei on a trip to signal President Joe Biden`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.

China described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" on Wednesday, hours before the arrival of senior former US officials in Taipei on a trip to signal President Joe Biden`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. Taiwan has complained over the proximity of repeated Chinese military activity, including fighter jets and bombers entering its air defence zone and a Chinese aircraft carrier exercising off the island, claimed by Beijing. Twenty-five Chinese air force aircraft including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers entered Taiwan`s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Monday, the largest reported incursion by Taipei to date. China`s Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan`s government and separatists were colluding with "external forces", seeking provocation and to damage peace and stability. "The People`s Liberation Army`s organising of actual combat exercises in the Taiwan Strait is a necessary action to address the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," spokesman Ma Xiaoguang said. "It is a solemn response to external forces` interference and provocations by Taiwan independence" forces, he added. "The PLA`s military exercises and training operations are sending a signal that our determination to curb Taiwan independence and Taiwan-US collusion is not just talk." The United States, which like most countries only officially recognises China`s government and not Taiwan`s though is Taipei`s strongest international backer, has watched tensions mount with growing alarm. Former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd and former Deputy Secretaries of State Richard Armitage and James Steinberg arrive in Taiwan later on Wednesday, in what a White House official called a "personal signal" of the president`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. They are due to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday, on a trip that is further straining Sino-US relations. Presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said the trip "again shows the Taiwan-US relationship is rock solid, and is a full expression of cross-party support for Taiwan in the United States". Tsai has repeatedly said Taiwan is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name. Ma said a meeting with the president "will only exacerbate the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait". "We resolutely oppose the US` exaggeration of the so-called `Chinese military threat` argument, and resolutely oppose the US playing the `Taiwan card` and continuing to send wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces," he added. "Taiwan independence is a dead end and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party are trying to "use arms to seek independence", Ma said. "That is to drink poison in the hopes of slaking one`s thirst, and will only push Taiwan towards disaster."

As Biden's emissaries go to Taiwan, China terms exercises 'combat drills'

China Holds Drills In Taiwan Strait As Tensions Escalate

Gravitas: China-Taiwan tensions remain high

North Korea has confirmed the multiple projectiles test of Saturday. Local Media said that Kim has expressed dissatisfaction over drills.

North Korea confirms Saturday's multiple projectiles test

Frequent and increased Chinese military drills pose an &quot;enormous threat&quot; to Taiwan&#39;s security, Taipei warned today in an annual defence review that starkly highlighted rising cross-strait tensions.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified at some point -- by military force, if necessary.

The two sides split after a civil war in 1949. Although Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy, it has never formally declared independence.

Beijing has stepped up drills around the island since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took office last year, as she refuses to acknowledge both sides are part of &quot;one China&quot;.

Local media estimate Chinese warplanes have conducted at least 20 drills around Taiwan this year, compared to just eight in 2016.

The latest known drill took place last week when several Chinese planes, including jet fighters, passed through the Bashi Channel south of Taiwan to the Pacific and back.

The frequent drills &quot;have created an enormous threat to security in the Taiwan Strait,&quot; Taiwanese defense minister Feng Shih-kuan said in the 14th national defense report released Tuesday.

The report highlighted the David versus Goliath mismatch between the two rival&#39;s forces, saying Taiwan&#39;s military needed to adapt to a &quot;multiple deterrence strategies&quot; in the face of the fast-growing Chinese army.

The report estimated Chinese troop numbers at two million compared to around 210,000 in Taiwan&#39;s army.

&quot;Taiwan cannot compare with China&#39;s defense budget and military developments,&quot; Feng said in the report.

Instead, Taiwan was &quot;seriously reviewing and drawing a plan to develop asymmetric warfare to deter advances by the Chinese military,&quot; he added.

In response to increasing China&#39;s electronic warfare capabilities, Taiwan established its own cyber army command centre this year, which currently has around 1,000 people, according to the ministry.

It has also restructured its air force to centralise its anti-aircraft and missile defense command.

Chinese jets also flew over the Sea of Japan (East Sea) earlier this month, prompting South Korea and Japan to scramble jets.

China&#39;s air force said then it was the first time its aircraft had flown through the Tsushima Strait between South Korea and Japan.

Earlier this year, China sent its only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, through the Taiwan Strait during a drill as a show of strength, but it did not enter Taiwanese waters.

Local media estimate Chinese warplanes have conducted at least 20 drills around Taiwan this year, compared to just eight in 2016

Frequent and increased Chinese military drills pose an "enormous threat" to Taiwan's security, Taipei warned today in an annual defence review that starkly highlighted rising cross-strait tensions. China views Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified at some point -- by military force, if necessary. The two sides split after a civil war in 1949. Although Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy, it has never formally declared independence. Beijing has stepped up drills around the island since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took office last year, as she refuses to acknowledge both sides are part of "one China". Local media estimate Chinese warplanes have conducted at least 20 drills around Taiwan this year, compared to just eight in 2016. The latest known drill took place last week when several Chinese planes, including jet fighters, passed through the Bashi Channel south of Taiwan to the Pacific and back. The frequent drills "have created an enormous threat to security in the Taiwan Strait," Taiwanese defense minister Feng Shih-kuan said in the 14th national defense report released Tuesday. The report highlighted the David versus Goliath mismatch between the two rival's forces, saying Taiwan's military needed to adapt to a "multiple deterrence strategies" in the face of the fast-growing Chinese army. The report estimated Chinese troop numbers at two million compared to around 210,000 in Taiwan's army. "Taiwan cannot compare with China's defense budget and military developments," Feng said in the report. Instead, Taiwan was "seriously reviewing and drawing a plan to develop asymmetric warfare to deter advances by the Chinese military," he added. In response to increasing China's electronic warfare capabilities, Taiwan established its own cyber army command centre this year, which currently has around 1,000 people, according to the ministry. It has also restructured its air force to centralise its anti-aircraft and missile defense command. Chinese jets also flew over the Sea of Japan (East Sea) earlier this month, prompting South Korea and Japan to scramble jets. China's air force said then it was the first time its aircraft had flown through the Tsushima Strait between South Korea and Japan. Earlier this year, China sent its only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, through the Taiwan Strait during a drill as a show of strength, but it did not enter Taiwanese waters.

Taiwan warns Chinese military drills pose 'enormous threat'

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