China has conducted joint naval and air combat drills around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions in one of the world's most contested maritime regions.

The exercises, announced by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, were described as a test of combat readiness and a demonstration of China's ability to defend what it calls its maritime rights and interests.

The drills took place around Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in China and Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines. The reef lies approximately 220 kilometres west of Luzon and falls within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under international law.

China-Philippines Dispute Deepens | PLA Conducts Joint Naval And Air Exercises

As talks between Tehran and Washington are set to start in Geneva tomorrow, Iran is signalling openness to reaching a nuclear deal. However, it has also conducted major naval drills and, along with its regional allies, warned of devastating retaliation. The U.S., on the other hand, has also shown a willingness to pursue diplomacy while keeping its military options open. Is this the last chance for peace, or the final countdown to a regional war?


Khamenei Offers Peace Deal, While Iran Allies Threaten Hellfire

 South Africa's defence ministry has launched a probe into Iran's participation in the BRICS+ naval exercises held near Cape Town this week, after reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa had asked Iran to withdraw to avoid antagonizing the United States.

South Africa Holds Naval Drills with China, Russia, Iran 

Tensions rise as NATO fighter jets intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, while US jets scrambled to block Russian spy planes near Alaska for the third time this week. 


Russian aircraft spotted over Baltic sea

Iran has firmly rejected Europe’s push to extend the sanctions deadline, warning that Germany, France, and the UK have no authority to trigger snapback sanctions.


Iran under pressure to resume nuclear talks with US & re-engage with IAEA

Bangladesh has revoked the diplomatic passport of Harun Al Rashid, the immediate past ambassador to Morocco, after he praised PM Sheikh Hasina and criticized Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in a Facebook post. The Foreign Ministry accused him of harboring 'hidden motives' as he moved to Canada without approval after resigning on February 27.

Bangladesh revokes diplomat's passport after facebook post controversy

Iran's Revolutionary Guards conducted naval drills in the Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz as part of a series of nationwide military exercises. The UK reports that several vessels faced radio challenges in the Northern Gulf, which they believe is linked to the drills. More in this next report, take a look.

Revolutionary Guards naval units in action

In a significant foreign policy move Indonesia is set to hold its first Naval drill with Russia this week. Watch to know more.

Indonesia-Russia: Joint Drills Signal New Military Partnership

China, Russia and Iran are showing off their marine capabilities in a joint naval drill in the Gulf of Oman amid increased tensions in the region, in what is the fifth common military exercise held by these countries in recent years.

Iran, Russia and China show their military might in the Gulf of Oman

China, Iran and Russia stage joint naval drills in gulf of Oman. Military exercises running through March 16 are to involve warships and aviation.

China, Iran and Russia military exercise come amid rise in Red Sea attacks

India has been monitoring the movements of Chinese naval assets and keeping a close tab on the ongoing China-Pakistan "Sea Guardian 2023" joint exercise. Government sources told WION they started surveillance "from the moment (Chinese assets) entered the Indian Ocean region to the Malacca Straits," underlining the commitment to "comprehensive maritime domain awareness".

India keeping close tab on China-Pakistan naval drills in northern Arabian Sea: Sources to WION

This year's joint naval exercise between the United States and the Philippines has begun, involving a number of partner nations. It occurs as Beijing and Manila's territorial claims in the South China Sea are causing tensions to grow.

US-Philippines Naval Drills | Manila: Exercise 'Samasama' held amid tensions with China

United States and Singapore are holding Maritime drills in the Philippine Sea near Guam, now according to the Department of Defense the naval exercise involving the US and Singapore navies happens every other year this year's drill is called Pacific Griffin 2023. it is part of two weeks of training on land and at sea.

US and Singapore conducts naval drills, Singapore navy fires harpoon missile

Nearly 10 percent of Tonga's fighting force is in Hawaii this month, training side by side with militaries from across the Indo-Pacific region. The tiny kingdom is the only South Pacific island nation participating in the Rim of the Pacific naval exercises just as the region finds itself at the center of competing U.S. and Chinese diplomatic and military efforts. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports from Honolulu, Hawaii.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Tonga takes part in Pacific naval drills

Pakistan and China are staging joint naval drills off the Shanghai coast. What is Pakistan's role in China's Indo-Pacific military policy? How must India see the growing China-Pakistan military cooperation? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Pakistan and China stage military drills near Shanghai

In a bid to boost marine security, Iran, Russia and China on Friday began a joint Naval drill in the North Indian ocean.

Iran, Russia & China hold Naval drills in the North Indian Ocean

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