NATO allies are discussing options to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but the alliance is carefully stressing that this is not a formal NATO mission.

The discussions come as US President Donald Trump increases pressure on Iran and claims Washington has control over the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding region.

NATO’s top military commander convened a video conference with interested allies to assess what individual countries could contribute to efforts aimed at protecting shipping through the strategic waterway. The alliance says it is facilitating coordination rather than taking military ownership of the operation.

NATO Weighs Hormuz Security Role Without NATO Mission | Trump Pressures Allies | Iran Tensions

A US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait on Friday, drawing close attention from China as Washington and Beijing prepare for a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The US 7th Fleet said the aircraft operated in international airspace and described the mission as demonstrating Washington’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and freedom of navigation under international law.

China closely monitored the aircraft during the transit. Beijing has repeatedly objected to US military activity in the Taiwan Strait and considers Taiwan a core national interest.

The latest US Navy operation comes amid ongoing US-China tensions over Taiwan, trade, technology restrictions and artificial intelligence, even as both countries seek to stabilize relations.

US Navy P-8A Flies Through Taiwan Strait Ahead Of Trump-Xi Meeting | China Reacts

A US Navy destroyer ship carried out what US calls Freedom of Navigation exercise in the South China Sea on Wednesday. An angry China said that its military had 'driven away' the US warship which had sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands. China claims the entirety of South China Sea based on ancient claims. US regularly carries out Freedom of Navigation exercises in the sea to challenge Chinese assertions.

Monday (July 11) was the sixth anniversary of a ruling given by international tribunal that had invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea. China had rejected the ruling.

The US Navy said the destroyer USS Benfold "asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law".

China maintains that it does not impede freedom of navigation. It has accused the US of provoking tensions deliberately.

Southern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) said that action of US destroyer seriously violated China's sovereignty and security. It said that the ship illegally entered China's territorial waters around Paracel islands. These islands are also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

"The PLA's Southern Theatre Command organised sea and air forces to follow, monitor, warn and drive away" the ship, it added, showing pictures of the Benfold taken from the deck of the Chinese frigate the Xianning.

"The facts once again show that the United States is nothing short of a 'security risk maker in the South China Sea' and a 'destroyer of regional peace and stability.'"

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-china-and-pakistan-commence-maritime-exercise-near-shanghai-to-deepen-frienship-496961">China and Pakistan commence maritime exercise near Shanghai to deepen 'frienship'</a>

US Navy, in turn, has said that Chinese statement on its mission was "false". It said that this was latest Chinese act to "misrepresent lawful U.S. maritime operations and assert its excessive and illegitimate maritime claims at the expense of its Southeastern Asian neighbours in the South China Sea".

(With inputs from agencies)

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A US Navy destroyer ship carried out what US calls Freedom of Navigation exercise in the South China Sea on Wednesday. An angry China said that its military had 'driven away' the US warship which had sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands.

A US Navy destroyer ship carried out what US calls Freedom of Navigation exercise in the South China Sea on Wednesday. An angry China said that its military had 'driven away' the US warship which had sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands. China claims the entirety of South China Sea based on ancient claims. US regularly carries out Freedom of Navigation exercises in the sea to challenge Chinese assertions. Monday (July 11) was the sixth anniversary of a ruling given by international tribunal that had invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea. China had rejected the ruling. The US Navy said the destroyer USS Benfold "asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law". China maintains that it does not impede freedom of navigation. It has accused the US of provoking tensions deliberately. Southern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) said that action of US destroyer seriously violated China's sovereignty and security. It said that the ship illegally entered China's territorial waters around Paracel islands. These islands are also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. "The PLA's Southern Theatre Command organised sea and air forces to follow, monitor, warn and drive away" the ship, it added, showing pictures of the Benfold taken from the deck of the Chinese frigate the Xianning. "The facts once again show that the United States is nothing short of a 'security risk maker in the South China Sea' and a 'destroyer of regional peace and stability.'" Watch | China and Pakistan commence maritime exercise near Shanghai to deepen 'frienship' US Navy, in turn, has said that Chinese statement on its mission was "false". It said that this was latest Chinese act to "misrepresent lawful U.S. maritime operations and assert its excessive and illegitimate maritime claims at the expense of its Southeastern Asian neighbours in the South China Sea". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US carries out Freedom of Navigation exercise in South China Sea

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has extended support to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea at the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).

ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) is a significant platform involving 10 ASEAN Member countries and 8 Dialogue Partners Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.

Pointing out that, "developments in the South China Sea have attracted attention in the region and beyond", Rajnath Singh who addressed the gathering virtually said, "India supports freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded commerce in these international waterways."

The statement comes even as China is well known to claim almost 90% of the South China Sea based on its "9 dash line" which has been dismissed by the UNCLOS or United Nations Conventions and Laws of the Sea. The Chinese claim has also perturbed its ASEAN neighbours, especially the Philipines.

During the address, Defence Minister said India "hopes that the Code of Conduct negotiations" between ASEAN and China "will lead to outcomes that are in keeping with international law, including the UNCLOS and do not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of nations that are not a party to these discussions."

At the annual meet, Defence Minister also mentioned Indo Pacific calling for a "free, open and inclusive order" in this region which is based upon "respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and adherence to international rules and laws."

Indo Pacific, geographically seen as a region from the eastern shores of Africa to the Pacific, is a vision that has been backed by India and the US, with more countries joining in the usage of the term. It sees Indian and the Pacific as a continuous entity, but Beijing sees it suspiciously.

Rajnath Singh explained, "India has strengthened its cooperative engagements in the Indo-Pacific based on converging visions and values for promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.” The vision he said is "premised upon the centrality of ASEAN" with New Delhi supporting "utilization of ASEAN-led mechanisms as important platforms for the implementation of our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific."

The issue of terrorism, radicalization, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief was also mentioned in the speech. ADMM-Plus was convened in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, on 12 October 2010 and last year marked a decade since its inception.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has extended support to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea at the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has extended support to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea at the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) is a significant platform involving 10 ASEAN Member countries and 8 Dialogue Partners Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. Pointing out that, "developments in the South China Sea have attracted attention in the region and beyond", Rajnath Singh who addressed the gathering virtually said, "India supports freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded commerce in these international waterways." The statement comes even as China is well known to claim almost 90% of the South China Sea based on its "9 dash line" which has been dismissed by the UNCLOS or United Nations Conventions and Laws of the Sea. The Chinese claim has also perturbed its ASEAN neighbours, especially the Philipines. During the address, Defence Minister said India "hopes that the Code of Conduct negotiations" between ASEAN and China "will lead to outcomes that are in keeping with international law, including the UNCLOS and do not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of nations that are not a party to these discussions." At the annual meet, Defence Minister also mentioned Indo Pacific calling for a "free, open and inclusive order" in this region which is based upon "respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and adherence to international rules and laws." Indo Pacific, geographically seen as a region from the eastern shores of Africa to the Pacific, is a vision that has been backed by India and the US, with more countries joining in the usage of the term. It sees Indian and the Pacific as a continuous entity, but Beijing sees it suspiciously. Rajnath Singh explained, "India has strengthened its cooperative engagements in the Indo-Pacific based on converging visions and values for promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.” The vision he said is "premised upon the centrality of ASEAN" with New Delhi supporting "utilization of ASEAN-led mechanisms as important platforms for the implementation of our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific." The issue of terrorism, radicalization, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief was also mentioned in the speech. ADMM-Plus was convened in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, on 12 October 2010 and last year marked a decade since its inception.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh extends support to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea

China on Thursday said that a US warship illegally entered its territorial waters in South China Sea

"U.S. (vessel) did not get approval from the Chinese government and made an unauthorised entry into the sea around China's Paracel Islands, which violated China's sovereignty and security," said Zhao Lijian Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said in statement that Curtis Wilbur entered the waters without permission, adding that its ships and planes followed the U.S. vessel and "expelled" it.

The US Seventh Fleet described it as a "routine" transit.

The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters.

China has been aggressive in its claims in South China Sea. It claims&nbsp;almost entire South China Sea. As a result,&nbsp; Chinese assertions about its territorial waters in the South China Sea are almost always met with with counter claims and protests from nations in the region.&nbsp;

China stakes claim over&nbsp;waters demarcated by the so-called 'neine dash line'

The US has often carried out freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea. This has been a cause of friction between the two countries.

The South China Sea and its various islands are claimed by multiple countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Thursday said that a US warship illegally entered its territorial waters in South China Sea "U.S. (vessel) did not get approval from the Chinese government and made an unauthorised entry into the sea around China's Paracel Islands, which violated China's sovereignty and security," said Zhao Lijian Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

China on Thursday said that a US warship illegally entered its territorial waters in South China Sea "U.S. (vessel) did not get approval from the Chinese government and made an unauthorised entry into the sea around China's Paracel Islands, which violated China's sovereignty and security," said Zhao Lijian Chinese foreign ministry spokesman. Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said in statement that Curtis Wilbur entered the waters without permission, adding that its ships and planes followed the U.S. vessel and "expelled" it. The US Seventh Fleet described it as a "routine" transit. The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. China has been aggressive in its claims in South China Sea. It claims almost entire South China Sea. As a result, Chinese assertions about its territorial waters in the South China Sea are almost always met with with counter claims and protests from nations in the region. China stakes claim over waters demarcated by the so-called 'neine dash line' The US has often carried out freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea. This has been a cause of friction between the two countries. The South China Sea and its various islands are claimed by multiple countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. (With inputs from agencies)

China says US warship entered its waters in South China Sea

China on Friday urged the US to "cease provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-near-disputed-south-china-sea-islands-official-168574">two US naval warships</a> sailed in the South China Sea.

USS Gabrielle Giffords warship had sailed near the Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands on Wednesday followed by the USS Wayne E. Meyer destroyer which passed the Paracel Islands on Thursday.

"Recently, the US has used the pretext of 'freedom of navigation' to frequently send warships to the South China Sea area to cause trouble," China said in a statement, adding, "we urge the US to cease this kind of provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents."

US warships regularly sail in the South China Sea citing 'freedom of navigation' which is also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

In August, in a similar incident, the destroyer Wayne E. Meyer had entered within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross and Mischief Reefs in the South China Sea angering China. After the operation, the US said it was done to "to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law."

US warship again entered the busy waterways in May as destroyer Preble sailed across the disputed area.

The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations.

China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs.

China's naval chief referring to the US had said earlier that freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other nations.

China on Friday urged the US to "cease provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents" after two US naval warships sailed in the South China Sea. USS Gabrielle Giffords warship had sailed near the Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands on Wednesday followed by the USS Wayne E.

China on Friday urged the US to "cease provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents" after two US naval warships sailed in the South China Sea. USS Gabrielle Giffords warship had sailed near the Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands on Wednesday followed by the USS Wayne E. Meyer destroyer which passed the Paracel Islands on Thursday. "Recently, the US has used the pretext of 'freedom of navigation' to frequently send warships to the South China Sea area to cause trouble," China said in a statement, adding, "we urge the US to cease this kind of provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents." US warships regularly sail in the South China Sea citing 'freedom of navigation' which is also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. In August, in a similar incident, the destroyer Wayne E. Meyer had entered within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross and Mischief Reefs in the South China Sea angering China. After the operation, the US said it was done to "to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law." US warship again entered the busy waterways in May as destroyer Preble sailed across the disputed area. The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations. China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs. China's naval chief referring to the US had said earlier that freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other nations.

Urge US to cease provocative conduct in South China Sea: China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that ASEAN stands right at the &quot;centre&quot; of India&#39;s Act East Policy, noting that the ASEAN-India relationship has &quot;evolved significantly.&quot;

With Asean leaders by his side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for nations to follow the international law of the seas in the Indo-Pacific region - in a veiled attack on China which has been accused by most of its neighbours of violating the rule of law in the South China Sea.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the ASEAN Heads of States at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi (PTI)
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&quot;India shares the Asean vision for rule-based societies and values of peace,&quot; Modi said in his opening remarks at the plenary session here of the Commemorative Summit to mark 25 years of the India-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Dialogue Partnership.&nbsp;

He was speaking on the second day of the Association of the South East Asian Nations-India commemorative summit, which marks the 25 years of India&rsquo;s ties with the bloc.

Delighted to welcome you all to the ASEAN-India commemorative summit. Our shared voyage goes back thousands of years. It is India&#39;s privilege to host the ASEAN leaders. The leaders will be our honoured guests at the Republic Day celebrations, said PM Modi.&nbsp;

Since 1992 our partnership has evolved, we have made success in implementing the objective of ASEAN-India partisanship for peace, progress, and shared prosperity through a five-year plan of action, he added.&nbsp;

India shares the ASEAN vision for rule-based societies and values of peace. We are committed to working with ASEAN nations to enhance collaboration in the maritime domain. It highlights the importance of our strategic partnership placing ASEAN at the centre of India&#39;s Act East Policy. Our friendship has been nurtured by our shared culture &amp; civilisation linkages, said PM Modi.&nbsp;

&quot;The Ramayana, the ancient India epic, continues to be a valuable shared legacy in ASEAN and Indian subcontinent. Buddhism also binds us closely. Islam in many parts of South East Asia has a distinctive Indian connection going back several centuries,&quot; he said.

The India-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit is being held in the national capital, with trade and connectivity topping the agenda.

As per officials, the two-day India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in New Delhi is expected to give a boost to the cooperation in key areas of counter-terrorism, security and connectivity amidst increasing Chinese economic and military assertiveness in the region.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) includes Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei.

This year, the heads of state of all ASEAN nations will grace India&#39;s Republic Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for nations to follow the international law of the seas in the Indo-Pacific region

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that ASEAN stands right at the "centre" of India's Act East Policy, noting that the ASEAN-India relationship has "evolved significantly." With Asean leaders by his side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for nations to follow the international law of the seas in the Indo-Pacific region - in a veiled attack on China which has been accused by most of its neighbours of violating the rule of law in the South China Sea. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the ASEAN Heads of States at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi (PTI) × "India shares the Asean vision for rule-based societies and values of peace," Modi said in his opening remarks at the plenary session here of the Commemorative Summit to mark 25 years of the India-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Dialogue Partnership. He was speaking on the second day of the Association of the South East Asian Nations-India commemorative summit, which marks the 25 years of India’s ties with the bloc. Delighted to welcome you all to the ASEAN-India commemorative summit. Our shared voyage goes back thousands of years. It is India's privilege to host the ASEAN leaders. The leaders will be our honoured guests at the Republic Day celebrations, said PM Modi. Since 1992 our partnership has evolved, we have made success in implementing the objective of ASEAN-India partisanship for peace, progress, and shared prosperity through a five-year plan of action, he added. India shares the ASEAN vision for rule-based societies and values of peace. We are committed to working with ASEAN nations to enhance collaboration in the maritime domain. It highlights the importance of our strategic partnership placing ASEAN at the centre of India's Act East Policy. Our friendship has been nurtured by our shared culture & civilisation linkages, said PM Modi. "The Ramayana, the ancient India epic, continues to be a valuable shared legacy in ASEAN and Indian subcontinent. Buddhism also binds us closely. Islam in many parts of South East Asia has a distinctive Indian connection going back several centuries," he said. The India-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit is being held in the national capital, with trade and connectivity topping the agenda. As per officials, the two-day India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in New Delhi is expected to give a boost to the cooperation in key areas of counter-terrorism, security and connectivity amidst increasing Chinese economic and military assertiveness in the region. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) includes Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei. This year, the heads of state of all ASEAN nations will grace India's Republic Day celebrations.