Germany has deployed a warship to the South China Sea for the first time in nearly two decades. Is Berlin recalibrating its China policy ahead of a leadership change? How does China see this renewed involvement from Europe?

Gravitas: Germany deploys warship to South China Sea

India is sending a naval task force to the South China Sea this month to expand security ties with friendly countries, officials said on Wednesday, signalling its intent to play a bigger role in regional efforts to counter China.

The Indian military has been traditionally wary of antagonising China but the mood has hardened following clashes between troops on the disputed land border last year. The government has since drawn closer to the United States in efforts to push back against China.

Four ships including a guided-missile destroyer and a missile frigate will be deployed for two months to southeast Asia, the South China Sea and the western Pacific, the navy said in a statement.

"The deployment of the Indian Navy ships seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain..." the navy said.

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.

In June, a US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission and a British carrier group is due to undertake exercises in the Philippine Sea this month.

As part of their deployment, the Indian ships will take part in annual joint war drills involving the United States, Japan and Australia off the coast of Guam, the navy said.

The four countries make up the Quad, an informal group, that US President Joe Biden's administration is promoting as a way to counter an assertive China.

"These maritime initiatives enhance synergy and coordination between the Indian Navy and friendly countries, based on common maritime interests and commitment towards Freedom of Navigation at sea," the Indian navy said in its statement.

China has in the past criticised multilateral military manoeuvres as destabilising to the region.

India is sending a naval task force to the South China Sea this month to expand security ties with friendly countries, officials said on Wednesday, signalling its intent to play a bigger role in regional efforts to counter China.

India is sending a naval task force to the South China Sea this month to expand security ties with friendly countries, officials said on Wednesday, signalling its intent to play a bigger role in regional efforts to counter China. The Indian military has been traditionally wary of antagonising China but the mood has hardened following clashes between troops on the disputed land border last year. The government has since drawn closer to the United States in efforts to push back against China. Four ships including a guided-missile destroyer and a missile frigate will be deployed for two months to southeast Asia, the South China Sea and the western Pacific, the navy said in a statement. "The deployment of the Indian Navy ships seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain..." the navy said. 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. In June, a US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission and a British carrier group is due to undertake exercises in the Philippine Sea this month. As part of their deployment, the Indian ships will take part in annual joint war drills involving the United States, Japan and Australia off the coast of Guam, the navy said. The four countries make up the Quad, an informal group, that US President Joe Biden's administration is promoting as a way to counter an assertive China. "These maritime initiatives enhance synergy and coordination between the Indian Navy and friendly countries, based on common maritime interests and commitment towards Freedom of Navigation at sea," the Indian navy said in its statement. China has in the past criticised multilateral military manoeuvres as destabilising to the region.

Indian military deploys warships in the South China Sea as part of 'Act East' policy

Germany on Monday sent a&nbsp;warship&nbsp;to the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;for the first time in almost two decades, joining other Western nations in expanding its military presence in the region&nbsp;amid&nbsp;growing alarm over&nbsp;China's territorial ambitions.

China&nbsp;claims swathes of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;and has established military outposts on artificial islands in the waters that contain gas fields and rich fishing.

The US Navy, in a show of force against the Chinese territorial claims, regularly conducts so-called "freedom of navigation" operations in which their vessels pass close by some of the contested islands.&nbsp;China&nbsp;in turn objects to the US missions, saying they do not help promote peace or stability.

Washington has put countering&nbsp;China&nbsp;at the heart of its national security policy and seeks to rally partners against what it says are&nbsp;Beijing's increasingly coercive economic and foreign policies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-after-south-china-sea-ruling-chinas-presence-around-philippines-only-growing-397029">Also read |&nbsp;Five years after South China Sea ruling, China's presence around Philippines only growing</a>

Officials in Berlin have said the&nbsp;German&nbsp;navy will stick to common trade routes. The frigate is not expected to sail through the Taiwan Strait either, another regular US&nbsp;activity condemned by&nbsp;Beijing.

Nevertheless, Berlin has made it clear the mission serves to stress the fact&nbsp;Germany does not accept&nbsp;China's territorial claims.

Germany is walking a tightrope between its security and economic interests as&nbsp;China&nbsp;has become Berlin's most important trading partner.&nbsp;German&nbsp;exports there have helped mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Europe’s biggest economy.

German&nbsp;Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer travelled to the port of Wilhelmshaven to see the frigate Bayern off on its seven-month voyage that will take it to Australia, Japan,&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea and Vietnam.

The vessel is expected to cross the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;in mid-December, making it the first&nbsp;German&nbsp;warship&nbsp;to pass through the region since 2002.

"We want existing law to be respected,&nbsp;sea&nbsp;routes to be freely navigable, open societies to be protected and trade to follow fair rules," Kramp-Karrenbauer said.

Countries including Britain, France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, have also been expanding their activity in the Pacific to counter&nbsp;China's influence.

Germany on Monday sent a warship to the South China Sea for the first time in almost two decades, joining other Western nations in expanding its military presence in the region amid growing alarm over China's territorial ambitions.

Germany on Monday sent a warship to the South China Sea for the first time in almost two decades, joining other Western nations in expanding its military presence in the region amid growing alarm over China's territorial ambitions. China claims swathes of the South China Sea and has established military outposts on artificial islands in the waters that contain gas fields and rich fishing. The US Navy, in a show of force against the Chinese territorial claims, regularly conducts so-called "freedom of navigation" operations in which their vessels pass close by some of the contested islands. China in turn objects to the US missions, saying they do not help promote peace or stability. Washington has put countering China at the heart of its national security policy and seeks to rally partners against what it says are Beijing's increasingly coercive economic and foreign policies. Also read | Five years after South China Sea ruling, China's presence around Philippines only growing Officials in Berlin have said the German navy will stick to common trade routes. The frigate is not expected to sail through the Taiwan Strait either, another regular US activity condemned by Beijing. Nevertheless, Berlin has made it clear the mission serves to stress the fact Germany does not accept China's territorial claims. Germany is walking a tightrope between its security and economic interests as China has become Berlin's most important trading partner. German exports there have helped mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Europe’s biggest economy. German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer travelled to the port of Wilhelmshaven to see the frigate Bayern off on its seven-month voyage that will take it to Australia, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. The vessel is expected to cross the South China Sea in mid-December, making it the first German warship to pass through the region since 2002. "We want existing law to be respected, sea routes to be freely navigable, open societies to be protected and trade to follow fair rules," Kramp-Karrenbauer said. Countries including Britain, France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, have also been expanding their activity in the Pacific to counter China's influence.

German warship heads for South China Sea amid tension with Beijing

Chinese state media has threatened to make an example of the British warship in the South China Sea. But with the alliance of democracies growing stronger, is Beijing punching above its weight? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: China warns UK warship in South China Sea

China has recently issued a warning to the UK's Carrier Strike Group not to carry out any "improper acts" as it enters the South China Sea. China claims practically the whole 1.

China has recently issued a warning to the UK's Carrier Strike Group not to carry out any "improper acts" as it enters the South China Sea. China claims practically the whole 1.3 million-square-mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has blamed foreign warships for escalating tensions in the region. The pro-government Global Times, which is seen as a mouthpiece for the ruling Chinese Communist Party, said, "The People's Liberation Army Navy is at a high state of combat readiness". China has been closely monitoring the progress of the Carrier Strike Group, which is currently sailing through the South China Sea en route to Japan. It has also accused Britain of "still living in its colonial days". Also read | UK warship ignores Beijing warnings and enters the South China Sea Also, the Royal Navy has been carrying out exercises with the Singaporean navy and Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has made a clear intention to conduct a "Freedom of Navigation" exercise through the South China Sea. Freedom of navigation operations (or FONOPs) are routinely conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to counter what Washington refers to as "attempts by coastal states to unjustly limit access to the seas." Both US and Royal Navy warships have recently challenged China's claims to sovereignty in the South China Sea by purposely sailing through it. Veerle Nouwens, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), a London think tank was quoted by BBC as saying, "China is not looking for a direct confrontation with a major US ally in the South China Sea". He added, "But it will certainly make its intentions clear". The HMS Queen Elizabeth is escorted by six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer, and a Dutch frigate, and is carrying eight F-35B Lightning II fast jets, four Wildcat maritime attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, and three Merlin Mk4 commando helicopters on deck. China has been carrying out incursions, sinking foreign ships, establishing new districts, giving Chinese names to islands, building new artificial islands and using fishing vessels as maritime militias in the South China Sea. The South China Sea is a strategic waterway surrounded by six nations, such as China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Two groups of islands here are at the centre of a fierce territorial dispute. The first is the Paracel Archipelago, contested by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. The second is the Spratly Islands, disputed between China and all other five nations. These islands are strategic because they are surrounded by waters teeming with marine life and are rich in oil and gas resources. One-third of the world's shipping traffic also passes through the South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire sea.

China issues warning to the UK as carrier strike group approaches

HMS Queen Elizabeth, a British aircraft carrier, and its Carrier Strike Group have entered the South China Sea, a territory predominantly claimed by China, reports the UK Defence Journal.

China claims practically the whole 1.3 million-square-mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has blamed foreign warships for escalating tensions in the region.

Freedom of navigation operations (or FONOPs) are routinely conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to counter what Washington refers to as "attempts by coastal states to unjustly limit access to the seas."

Both the US and the UK have previously enraged China by conducting FONOPs in the South China Sea to assert freedom of navigation rights. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: British warship to challenge Beijing in South China Sea

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-british-warship-to-challenge-beijing-in-south-china-sea-399814/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is escorted by six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer, and a Dutch frigate, and is carrying eight F-35B Lightning II fast jets, four Wildcat maritime attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, and three Merlin Mk4 commando helicopters on deck.

China has been carrying out incursions, sinking foreign ships, establishing new districts, giving Chinese names to islands, building new artificial islands and using fishing vessels as maritime militias in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea is a strategic waterway surrounded by six nations, such as China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. &nbsp;

Two groups of islands here are at the centre of a fierce territorial dispute. The first is the Paracel Archipelago, contested by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The second is the Spratly Islands, disputed between China and all other five nations. These islands are strategic because they are surrounded by waters teeming with marine life and are rich in oil and gas resources. &nbsp;

One-third of the world's shipping traffic also passes through the South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

HMS Queen Elizabeth, a British aircraft carrier, and its Carrier Strike Group have entered the South China Sea, a territory predominantly claimed by China, reports the UK Defence Journal.

HMS Queen Elizabeth, a British aircraft carrier, and its Carrier Strike Group have entered the South China Sea, a territory predominantly claimed by China, reports the UK Defence Journal. China claims practically the whole 1.3 million-square-mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has blamed foreign warships for escalating tensions in the region. Freedom of navigation operations (or FONOPs) are routinely conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to counter what Washington refers to as "attempts by coastal states to unjustly limit access to the seas." Both the US and the UK have previously enraged China by conducting FONOPs in the South China Sea to assert freedom of navigation rights. Watch | Gravitas: British warship to challenge Beijing in South China Sea The HMS Queen Elizabeth is escorted by six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer, and a Dutch frigate, and is carrying eight F-35B Lightning II fast jets, four Wildcat maritime attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, and three Merlin Mk4 commando helicopters on deck. China has been carrying out incursions, sinking foreign ships, establishing new districts, giving Chinese names to islands, building new artificial islands and using fishing vessels as maritime militias in the South China Sea. The South China Sea is a strategic waterway surrounded by six nations, such as China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Two groups of islands here are at the centre of a fierce territorial dispute. The first is the Paracel Archipelago, contested by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. The second is the Spratly Islands, disputed between China and all other five nations. These islands are strategic because they are surrounded by waters teeming with marine life and are rich in oil and gas resources. One-third of the world's shipping traffic also passes through the South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire sea. (With inputs from agencies)

UK warship ignores Beijing warnings and enters the South China Sea

Britain's flagship carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth will sail through the South China Sea in August. It has already linked up with the Indian Navy for an expansive military drill. Will this armada of democracies rattle China?

Gravitas: British warship to challenge Beijing in South China Sea

For several months,&nbsp;Philippines and China have been&nbsp;locking horns in&nbsp;South China Sea.&nbsp;

In the recent development,&nbsp;the Philippines Coast Guard said it drove away a Chinese warship in the waterway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tension between the two countries has been rising&nbsp;in the disputed waters.&nbsp;

Citing a July 13 report, the Coast Guard&nbsp;in a statement on&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;said,&nbsp;it challenged a Chinese warship spotted near Marie Louise Bank. The vessel eventually&nbsp;left the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Giving details about the incident,&nbsp;the Coast Guard said, the&nbsp;vessel sent a radio message identifying itself as&nbsp;'Chinese Navy Warship 189'&nbsp;and asked the Philippine ship tailing it to keep distance.&nbsp;

At a regular press briefing on Monday in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao&nbsp;Lijian&nbsp;said that he was unaware of the matter.&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;the Philippines had protested China's continuing 'illegal presence and activities' near an island in the South China Sea held by the Southeast Asian nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manila had lodged the diplomatic protest over the 'incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels' in the vicinity of&nbsp;Thitu&nbsp;island.&nbsp;It demanded its giant&nbsp;neighbour&nbsp;withdraw the vessels.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chinese embassy in Manila had not immediately&nbsp;respond&nbsp;to a request for comment outside business hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated over the months-long presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The Philippines says it believes the vessels were manned by militia, while Beijing has said they were fishing boats sheltering from bad weather.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For several months, Philippines and China have been locking horns in South China Sea. In the recent development, the Philippines Coast Guard said it drove away a Chinese warship in the waterway.

For several months, Philippines and China have been locking horns in South China Sea. In the recent development, the Philippines Coast Guard said it drove away a Chinese warship in the waterway. The tension between the two countries has been rising in the disputed waters. Citing a July 13 report, the Coast Guard in a statement on Monday said, it challenged a Chinese warship spotted near Marie Louise Bank. The vessel eventually left the area. Giving details about the incident, the Coast Guard said, the vessel sent a radio message identifying itself as 'Chinese Navy Warship 189' and asked the Philippine ship tailing it to keep distance. At a regular press briefing on Monday in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that he was unaware of the matter. Earlier, the Philippines had protested China's continuing 'illegal presence and activities' near an island in the South China Sea held by the Southeast Asian nation. Manila had lodged the diplomatic protest over the 'incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels' in the vicinity of Thitu island. It demanded its giant neighbour withdraw the vessels. The Chinese embassy in Manila had not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours. Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated over the months-long presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The Philippines says it believes the vessels were manned by militia, while Beijing has said they were fishing boats sheltering from bad weather. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines-China tussle continues in South China Sea 

The Philippines has launched an investigation against&nbsp;hundreds of Chinese vessels that were dumping sewage into contested areas of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.

"While we are confirming and verifying these wastes being dumped ... we consider such irresponsible acts, if true, to be gravely detrimental to the marine ecology in the area," Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-rodrigo-duterte-reluctant-to-take-on-china-397923/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Despite conflicting claims and interests by states in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, all nations must be responsible stewards of our natural resources and&nbsp;environment."

The Philippines has become more vocal in recent months over the presence of hundreds of vessels it believes are Chinese maritime militias.

It comes after a report by&nbsp;US-based tech firm Simularity Inc showed swarms of Chinese vessels had&nbsp;dumped human waste and wastewater for years in a disputed area of the South China Sea, causing algae blooms that have damaged coral reefs and threatened fish in an unfolding catastrophe.

The company had released satellite images over the last five years, showing&nbsp;how human waste, sewage, and wastewater have accumulated and caused algae in a cluster of reefs in the Spratlys region where hundreds of Chinese fishing ships have anchored in batches.

Liz Derr, who heads Simularity Inc, a software company creating artificial intelligence technologies for satellite imagery analysis,&nbsp;said the waste could threaten fish stocks.

China, which is engaged in hotly-contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas, has made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years.

Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan.

Both maritime areas in the South and East China seas are rich in minerals, oil, and other natural resources and are also vital to global trade.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Philippines has launched an investigation against hundreds of Chinese vessels that were dumping sewage into contested areas of the South China Sea. "While we are confirming and verifying these wastes being dumped .

The Philippines has launched an investigation against hundreds of Chinese vessels that were dumping sewage into contested areas of the South China Sea. "While we are confirming and verifying these wastes being dumped ... we consider such irresponsible acts, if true, to be gravely detrimental to the marine ecology in the area," Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement. "Despite conflicting claims and interests by states in the South China Sea, all nations must be responsible stewards of our natural resources and environment." The Philippines has become more vocal in recent months over the presence of hundreds of vessels it believes are Chinese maritime militias. It comes after a report by US-based tech firm Simularity Inc showed swarms of Chinese vessels had dumped human waste and wastewater for years in a disputed area of the South China Sea, causing algae blooms that have damaged coral reefs and threatened fish in an unfolding catastrophe. The company had released satellite images over the last five years, showing how human waste, sewage, and wastewater have accumulated and caused algae in a cluster of reefs in the Spratlys region where hundreds of Chinese fishing ships have anchored in batches. Liz Derr, who heads Simularity Inc, a software company creating artificial intelligence technologies for satellite imagery analysis, said the waste could threaten fish stocks. China, which is engaged in hotly-contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas, has made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years. Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan. Both maritime areas in the South and East China seas are rich in minerals, oil, and other natural resources and are also vital to global trade. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines launches investigation into Chinese sewage-dumping at sea

Chinese vessels are flushing 'human waste' in the #SouthChinaSea. The dumping levels are so intense that the waste has formed clusters and can be seen from space.

Gravitas: China is dumping 'human waste' in South China Sea

Swarms of Chinese vessels have dumped human waste and wastewater for years in a disputed area of the South China Sea, causing algae blooms that have damaged coral reefs and threatened fish in an unfolding catastrophe, a US-based expert said Monday.

Satellite images over the last five years show how human waste, sewage and wastewater have accumulated and caused algae in a cluster of reefs in the Spratlys region where hundreds of Chinese fishing ships have anchored in batches, said Liz Derr, who heads Simularity Inc, a software company creating artificial intelligence technologies for satellite imagery analysis.

At least 236 ships were spotted in the atoll, internationally known as Union Banks, on June 17 alone, she said at a Philippine online news forum on China's actions in the South China Sea, which Beijing has claimed virtually in its entirety.

“When the ships don't move, the poop piles up,” Derr said.

“The hundreds of ships that are anchored in the Spratlys are dumping raw sewage onto the reefs they are occupying.” 
 
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Images showing human waste dumped in the South China Sea (Picture courtesy: GMA News online)

Chinese officials did not immediately react to Derr''s assessment of the environmental damage but have said in the past that they have taken steps to protect the fisheries stock and the environment in the South China Sea.

Aside from the Chinese, Vietnamese forces have also occupied some coral outcrops in Union Banks, which is also claimed by the Philippines, although it has no presence in the vast atoll.

Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Menez in Manila said the findings would have to be assessed and validated by Philippine authorities before a decision on whether to protest against China could be made.

“This is a catastrophe of epic proportions and we are close to the point of no return,” Derr said.

She warned that schools of fish, including migratory tuna, breed in the reefs that are being damaged and could cause fish stocks to considerably decline in an offshore area that is a key regional food source.

Separately, China's military said it chased a US warship out of another disputed area of the South China Sea on Monday after Washington warned an attack on the Philippines might activate a mutual defence treaty.

Beijing affirmed its claims to portions of the sea that also are claimed by Southeast Asia governments. It rejected the Biden administration's declaration of support Sunday for a 2016 international tribunal ruling in favour of the Philippines that threw out most of them.

China is increasingly assertive about pressing its territorial claims, which are fueling tension with neighbours including Japan, India, Vietnam and the Philippines.

China's People's Liberation Army said it sent ships and planes after the USS Benfold entered waters claimed by Beijing around the Paracel Islands.

In March, Philippine authorities spotted more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels at Whitsun Reef, in the northeastern periphery of Union Banks, and demanded that China withdraw them from the area. China ignored the demand for weeks while continuing to assert the reef is its territory.

The Philippines argued that Whitsun Reef lies well within an internationally recognized stretch of waters where it has exclusive rights to exploit fisheries, oil, gas and other sea resources.

It cited the international tribunal's 2016 ruling that invalidated China's vast claims to the waterway on historical grounds and unanimously upheld the Philippines'' sovereign rights to the so-called exclusive economic zone.

A few hundred protesters held a noisy rally Monday in front of the Chinese Consulate in Manila to mark the fifth anniversary of the ruling, which China ignored and continues to defy.

The protesters lashed out at President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured closer ties with Beijing, for refusing to aggressively demand that China comply with the landmark ruling.&nbsp;

Swarms of Chinese vessels have dumped human waste and wastewater for years in a disputed area of the South China Sea, causing algae blooms that have damaged coral reefs and threatened fish in an unfolding catastrophe, a US-based expert said Monday.

Swarms of Chinese vessels have dumped human waste and wastewater for years in a disputed area of the South China Sea, causing algae blooms that have damaged coral reefs and threatened fish in an unfolding catastrophe, a US-based expert said Monday. Satellite images over the last five years show how human waste, sewage and wastewater have accumulated and caused algae in a cluster of reefs in the Spratlys region where hundreds of Chinese fishing ships have anchored in batches, said Liz Derr, who heads Simularity Inc, a software company creating artificial intelligence technologies for satellite imagery analysis. At least 236 ships were spotted in the atoll, internationally known as Union Banks, on June 17 alone, she said at a Philippine online news forum on China's actions in the South China Sea, which Beijing has claimed virtually in its entirety. “When the ships don't move, the poop piles up,” Derr said. “The hundreds of ships that are anchored in the Spratlys are dumping raw sewage onto the reefs they are occupying.” Images showing human waste dumped in the South China Sea (Picture courtesy: GMA News online) Chinese officials did not immediately react to Derr''s assessment of the environmental damage but have said in the past that they have taken steps to protect the fisheries stock and the environment in the South China Sea. Aside from the Chinese, Vietnamese forces have also occupied some coral outcrops in Union Banks, which is also claimed by the Philippines, although it has no presence in the vast atoll. Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Menez in Manila said the findings would have to be assessed and validated by Philippine authorities before a decision on whether to protest against China could be made. “This is a catastrophe of epic proportions and we are close to the point of no return,” Derr said. She warned that schools of fish, including migratory tuna, breed in the reefs that are being damaged and could cause fish stocks to considerably decline in an offshore area that is a key regional food source. Separately, China's military said it chased a US warship out of another disputed area of the South China Sea on Monday after Washington warned an attack on the Philippines might activate a mutual defence treaty. Beijing affirmed its claims to portions of the sea that also are claimed by Southeast Asia governments. It rejected the Biden administration's declaration of support Sunday for a 2016 international tribunal ruling in favour of the Philippines that threw out most of them. China is increasingly assertive about pressing its territorial claims, which are fueling tension with neighbours including Japan, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. China's People's Liberation Army said it sent ships and planes after the USS Benfold entered waters claimed by Beijing around the Paracel Islands. In March, Philippine authorities spotted more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels at Whitsun Reef, in the northeastern periphery of Union Banks, and demanded that China withdraw them from the area. China ignored the demand for weeks while continuing to assert the reef is its territory. The Philippines argued that Whitsun Reef lies well within an internationally recognized stretch of waters where it has exclusive rights to exploit fisheries, oil, gas and other sea resources. It cited the international tribunal's 2016 ruling that invalidated China's vast claims to the waterway on historical grounds and unanimously upheld the Philippines'' sovereign rights to the so-called exclusive economic zone. A few hundred protesters held a noisy rally Monday in front of the Chinese Consulate in Manila to mark the fifth anniversary of the ruling, which China ignored and continues to defy. The protesters lashed out at President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured closer ties with Beijing, for refusing to aggressively demand that China comply with the landmark ruling.

Visible from space: Human waste, sewage, wastewater dumped by China on the South China Sea

China said on Monday US warship USS Benfold had entered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-after-south-china-sea-ruling-chinas-presence-around-philippines-only-growing-397029">South China Sea</a> area near the Paracel Islands violating the sovereignty of the country.

The Chinese military asserted that it "drove&nbsp;away" the US warship.

"We urge the United States to immediately stop such provocative actions," China said.

Watch:

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The disputed island is claimed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vietnam-orders-netflix-to-remove-australian-spy-show-over-south-china-sea-map-395387">Vietnam</a>, Taiwan and China as the US Navy said under the Law of the Sea Convention says all ships "including warships enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-says-carrier-group-operating-in-south-china-sea-391584">US Navy</a> added that China claims are "inconsistent with international law" while adding that it cannot claim its territorial sea.

The US has insisted on the "freedom of the seas" while its warship have passed through the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits angering China.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken had earlier said that China continues to "coerce" and "intimidate" Southeast Asian coastal states.

"Nowhere is the rules-based maritime order under greater threat than in the South China Sea," the US secretary of state added.&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry however hit back saying the United States was harming peace and stability in the region as it asked the US to stop "stirring up trouble" in the South China Sea.

However, Blinken said: “We call on (China) to abide by its obligations under international law, cease its provocative behaviour, and take steps to reassure the international community that it is committed to the rules-based maritime order that respects the rights of all countries, big and small.”

China has rejected the international tribunal's&nbsp;decision's handed out in 2016 which said that its historical claim over the South China Sea islands was without basis.

(With inputs from Agencies)

China said on Monday US warship USS Benfold had entered the South China Sea area near the Paracel Islands violating the sovereignty of the country. The Chinese military asserted that it "drove away" the US warship.

China said on Monday US warship USS Benfold had entered the South China Sea area near the Paracel Islands violating the sovereignty of the country. The Chinese military asserted that it "drove away" the US warship. "We urge the United States to immediately stop such provocative actions," China said. Watch: The disputed island is claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan and China as the US Navy said under the Law of the Sea Convention says all ships "including warships enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea." The US Navy added that China claims are "inconsistent with international law" while adding that it cannot claim its territorial sea. The US has insisted on the "freedom of the seas" while its warship have passed through the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits angering China. US secretary of state Antony Blinken had earlier said that China continues to "coerce" and "intimidate" Southeast Asian coastal states. "Nowhere is the rules-based maritime order under greater threat than in the South China Sea," the US secretary of state added. China's foreign ministry however hit back saying the United States was harming peace and stability in the region as it asked the US to stop "stirring up trouble" in the South China Sea. However, Blinken said: “We call on (China) to abide by its obligations under international law, cease its provocative behaviour, and take steps to reassure the international community that it is committed to the rules-based maritime order that respects the rights of all countries, big and small.” China has rejected the international tribunal's decision's handed out in 2016 which said that its historical claim over the South China Sea islands was without basis. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Drove away' US warship from South China Sea, claims China

Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher has made some strong statement about China's growing influence on the world via social media.&nbsp; 
 
The actor-entrepreneur spoke on the American Optimist Youtube channel and urged everyone to protects children from various crimes on the internet. 
 
Kutcher stated that he can see a "massive regulatory battle on the horizon" for TikTok in the US. The popular video sharing social media app is owned by ByteDance, a technology company&nbsp;headquartered&nbsp;in China. 
 
The app enjoys immense popularity in the US and Kutcher, who owns a tech start-up, sees China using it to influence young American minds.&nbsp;

"If I'm China and I want to create a problem in that area of the world – specifically a Naval problem in the South China Sea, I would probably want to utilize TikTok in order to influence the minds of Americans …" said the actor-entrepreneur. 
 
He noted that the app can be used to create "an anti-US-propaganda, anti-Taiwanese propaganda effort" that could make the United States "extraordinarily unpopular," if the country went to war. 
 
"I think that most people believe that there is media manipulation happening and misinformation campaigns happening, just not through their sources," added Kutcher.

"I think that's wrong and I think we're about to face a reckoning in that particular domain and it's going to probably change what social media looks like in the future." 
 
Kutcher said that such campaigns are becoming "extraordinarily dangerous" for the US. The actor said that what we understand of social media today will change in the coming five years.&nbsp; 
 
"If the trendline continues on the path that it's on today, my kids will not be on social media. If the trendline pivots as I think it likely will, there's a change that I will allow them to use it," the star said.&nbsp; 
 
The actor is married to Mila Kunis and the couple have two children together. 
&nbsp;

Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher has made some strong statement about China's growing influence on the world via social media. The actor-entrepreneur spoke on the American Optimist Youtube channel and urged everyone to protects children from various crimes on the internet.

Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher has made some strong statement about China's growing influence on the world via social media. The actor-entrepreneur spoke on the American Optimist Youtube channel and urged everyone to protects children from various crimes on the internet. Kutcher stated that he can see a "massive regulatory battle on the horizon" for TikTok in the US. The popular video sharing social media app is owned by ByteDance, a technology company headquartered in China. The app enjoys immense popularity in the US and Kutcher, who owns a tech start-up, sees China using it to influence young American minds. "If I'm China and I want to create a problem in that area of the world – specifically a Naval problem in the South China Sea, I would probably want to utilize TikTok in order to influence the minds of Americans …" said the actor-entrepreneur. He noted that the app can be used to create "an anti-US-propaganda, anti-Taiwanese propaganda effort" that could make the United States "extraordinarily unpopular," if the country went to war. "I think that most people believe that there is media manipulation happening and misinformation campaigns happening, just not through their sources," added Kutcher. "I think that's wrong and I think we're about to face a reckoning in that particular domain and it's going to probably change what social media looks like in the future." Kutcher said that such campaigns are becoming "extraordinarily dangerous" for the US. The actor said that what we understand of social media today will change in the coming five years. "If the trendline continues on the path that it's on today, my kids will not be on social media. If the trendline pivots as I think it likely will, there's a change that I will allow them to use it," the star said. The actor is married to Mila Kunis and the couple have two children together.

Ashton Kutcher feels China can influence Americans via TikTok, can 'create a problem' in the South China Sea

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-is-taking-its-south-china-sea-strategy-to-himalayas-386626">Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas</a>

Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea.

According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-china-sea-is-a-hotbed-of-confrontation-372402">Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation</a>

"The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-world-coming-together-against-china-in-south-china-sea-374136">Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea?</a>

"Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said.

Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait.

But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings.

Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea. According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation "The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said. Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea? "Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said. Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait. But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings. Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

Have a stronger military presence in Asia to tackle China: Japan urges European nations

Noting that the world cannot be naive about Beijing`s current ambitions, Thomas Hart Armbruster, a former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said on Saturday that Quad is a powerful bloc that can send a powerful message by harmonising its common position on important issues like human rights in China.

Speaking at the inaugural event of 'Global Policy Insights'&nbsp;QUAD Forum, Armbruster said if Quad is to be successful, there is a need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles.

The event was held in virtual mode. "Today, we are in a time of competition with China. Military competition, competition for influence, and competition for the very way our own people are governed and live. Our major competition might not be ready to play by the established rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-installs-billboards-ordering-citizens-to-behave-during-centenary-celebrations-of-communist-party-392296">China installs billboards ordering citizens to 'behave' during centenary celebrations of Communist party</a>

The United States, Japan, India, and Australia&nbsp;are formidable bloc. Bigger in population than China, well versed and rising to global challenges, and a common vision for the most part in the Biden era," Armbruster said.

"We have established and lived by democratic norms that have been set up for decades, if not for centuries. However, if the Quad is to be successful, we need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles," he added.

Armbruster noted that Quad has to more than just a security arrangement."If all our resources are devoted to military competition, we will certainly lose climate change and environmental challenge. Together we can work with China for a clear future and perhaps shift our competition to who can build the next generation of cleaner power. But we can`t hide our difference on humans rights issues in China, like the treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans. Harmonizing our common position on these important issues sends a powerful message to Beijing," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nanning-how-chinas-new-warship-with-anti-stealth-radar-is-set-to-change-balance-in-south-china-sea-392163">Nanning: How China's new warship with anti-stealth radar is set to change balance in South China Sea</a>

"We can't be naive about Chinese current ambitions and we have our own current equities and discrimination to face," he added.

He referred to China trying to expand its global footprint."For the Pacific island countries, it came down to China or Taiwan. The Marshall Islands is for example sticking with the United States. Another compact of free association country Palau went with China over Taiwan, as their diplomatic partner. And now they have thousands of Chinese tourists every year, for better and worse," he said.

He said that anti-Asian hate crimes in the US were not acceptable.

"In the US, we have seen anti-Asian hate crime spike, during the pandemic as people blame China and then by association anyone looking Asian. This is not acceptable.

"He said the Quad countries should emerge as viable models for China and Russia. "Let`s hope China and Russia see countries like Japan, United States, India, and Australia as viable models for their futures, even if they don`t admit it. This won't be a fast process or an immediately successful one.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/if-china-takes-taiwan-its-all-over-haley-urges-us-to-act-strongly-392335/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Answering a query about China trying to project a lovable panda image, he said in diplomacy, every country is acting in their own interest.

"If that image bolsters'&nbsp;China's objective, then that is something that they will adopt. Even in these multilateral groupings, each of our countries is doing it because we see it as a benefit for our own country," he said.

The QUAD Forum is an initiative of Global Policy Insights, a centrist policy institute, aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding around the Quad grouping of nations comprising of the United States, India, Japan and Australia.

The first Leaders` Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework was held virtually in March this year.&nbsp;

Noting that the world cannot be naive about Beijing`s current ambitions, Thomas Hart Armbruster, a former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said on Saturday that Quad is a powerful bloc that can send a powerful message by harmonising its common position on important issues like human rights in China.

Noting that the world cannot be naive about Beijing`s current ambitions, Thomas Hart Armbruster, a former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said on Saturday that Quad is a powerful bloc that can send a powerful message by harmonising its common position on important issues like human rights in China. Speaking at the inaugural event of 'Global Policy Insights' QUAD Forum, Armbruster said if Quad is to be successful, there is a need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles. The event was held in virtual mode. "Today, we are in a time of competition with China. Military competition, competition for influence, and competition for the very way our own people are governed and live. Our major competition might not be ready to play by the established rules. Also read | China installs billboards ordering citizens to 'behave' during centenary celebrations of Communist party The United States, Japan, India, and Australia are formidable bloc. Bigger in population than China, well versed and rising to global challenges, and a common vision for the most part in the Biden era," Armbruster said. "We have established and lived by democratic norms that have been set up for decades, if not for centuries. However, if the Quad is to be successful, we need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles," he added. Armbruster noted that Quad has to more than just a security arrangement."If all our resources are devoted to military competition, we will certainly lose climate change and environmental challenge. Together we can work with China for a clear future and perhaps shift our competition to who can build the next generation of cleaner power. But we can`t hide our difference on humans rights issues in China, like the treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans. Harmonizing our common position on these important issues sends a powerful message to Beijing," he said. Also read | Nanning: How China's new warship with anti-stealth radar is set to change balance in South China Sea "We can't be naive about Chinese current ambitions and we have our own current equities and discrimination to face," he added. He referred to China trying to expand its global footprint."For the Pacific island countries, it came down to China or Taiwan. The Marshall Islands is for example sticking with the United States. Another compact of free association country Palau went with China over Taiwan, as their diplomatic partner. And now they have thousands of Chinese tourists every year, for better and worse," he said. He said that anti-Asian hate crimes in the US were not acceptable. "In the US, we have seen anti-Asian hate crime spike, during the pandemic as people blame China and then by association anyone looking Asian. This is not acceptable. "He said the Quad countries should emerge as viable models for China and Russia. "Let`s hope China and Russia see countries like Japan, United States, India, and Australia as viable models for their futures, even if they don`t admit it. This won't be a fast process or an immediately successful one. "Answering a query about China trying to project a lovable panda image, he said in diplomacy, every country is acting in their own interest. "If that image bolsters' China's objective, then that is something that they will adopt. Even in these multilateral groupings, each of our countries is doing it because we see it as a benefit for our own country," he said. The QUAD Forum is an initiative of Global Policy Insights, a centrist policy institute, aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding around the Quad grouping of nations comprising of the United States, India, Japan and Australia. The first Leaders` Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework was held virtually in March this year.

We cannot be naive about China's ambitions, Quad can send powerful message, says former US envoy Armbruster

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

A US&nbsp;aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan has entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission, the US&nbsp;Navy said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims most the disputed waterway. 
 
China frequently objects to US&nbsp;military missions in the South China Sea saying they do not help promote peace or stability, and the announcement follows China blasting the Group of Seven nations for a statement scolding Beijing over a range of issues. 
 
"While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, which include flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units," the US&nbsp;Navy said. 
 
"Carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the US&nbsp;Navy's routine presence in the Indo-Pacific." 
 
The carrier is being accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh and the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey, it added. 
 
China has ramped up its military presence in the South China Sea in recent years, including building artificial islands and air bases. 
 
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. 
 
US&nbsp;warships have passed through the South China Sea with increasing frequency in recent years, in a show of force against the Chinese claims.

A US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan has entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission, the US Navy said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims most the disputed waterway.

A US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan has entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission, the US Navy said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims most the disputed waterway. China frequently objects to US military missions in the South China Sea saying they do not help promote peace or stability, and the announcement follows China blasting the Group of Seven nations for a statement scolding Beijing over a range of issues. "While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, which include flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units," the US Navy said. "Carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the US Navy's routine presence in the Indo-Pacific." The carrier is being accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh and the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey, it added. China has ramped up its military presence in the South China Sea in recent years, including building artificial islands and air bases. 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. US warships have passed through the South China Sea with increasing frequency in recent years, in a show of force against the Chinese claims.

US Navy says carrier group operating in South China Sea

'Carrier killer': Why China's Rocket Force conducted DF-26 ballistic missile test at night

Malaysia's foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that he would summon China's ambassador in the country over the intrusion of 16 Chinese aircraft in its airspace, after the country's military detected suspicious activity over the South China Sea.

Malaysia to summon Chinese envoy over military aircrafts intrusion

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) on&nbsp;Tuesday scrambled Hawk jets after it identified 16 People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) planes heading towards its airspace.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-shandong-aircraft-carrier-conducts-military-exercise-in-south-china-sea-382412/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“The People’s Liberation Army Air Force(PLAAF) planes were put under continued radar surveillance and were instructed to contact controllers in the Kota Kinabalu FIR," the Malaysian Air Force said.

The jets were scrambled after the Malaysian Air Force detected the Chinese planes over its radar at Sarawak on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

"When these instructions were not heeded and the PLAAF planes crossed Kota Kinabalu FIR and headed towards the national airspace, the Malaysia Air Force scrambled intercepting jets at 1:33 pm to perform a visual identification,” it added.

The Chinese jets were hovering&nbsp;off Malaysia's coast in the South China Sea which has several small islands with overlapping claims by several countries including Brunei, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam.&nbsp;

China claims the territory as its own even as the United States on several occasions has sent warships to the South China Sea which has often resulted in a strong reaction from China.

“As a result of the air interception carried out, the RMAF has identified the aircraft as Ilyushin Il-76 and Xian Y-20 aircraft," it said.

The RMAF said the Chinese aircraft identified by its forces are "strategic transport aircraft" capable of performing various missions.

"This incident is a serious matter that threatens national sovereignty and aviation safety, based on the density of air traffic in the airline routes in Kota Kinabalu FIR," the RMAF asserted.

The Chinese planes eventually did not enter Malayasia's airspace even as it put the Hawk jets on high alert.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) on Tuesday scrambled Hawk jets after it identified 16 People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) planes heading towards its airspace.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) on Tuesday scrambled Hawk jets after it identified 16 People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) planes heading towards its airspace. Watch: “The People’s Liberation Army Air Force(PLAAF) planes were put under continued radar surveillance and were instructed to contact controllers in the Kota Kinabalu FIR," the Malaysian Air Force said. The jets were scrambled after the Malaysian Air Force detected the Chinese planes over its radar at Sarawak on Tuesday morning. "When these instructions were not heeded and the PLAAF planes crossed Kota Kinabalu FIR and headed towards the national airspace, the Malaysia Air Force scrambled intercepting jets at 1:33 pm to perform a visual identification,” it added. The Chinese jets were hovering off Malaysia's coast in the South China Sea which has several small islands with overlapping claims by several countries including Brunei, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam. China claims the territory as its own even as the United States on several occasions has sent warships to the South China Sea which has often resulted in a strong reaction from China. “As a result of the air interception carried out, the RMAF has identified the aircraft as Ilyushin Il-76 and Xian Y-20 aircraft," it said. The RMAF said the Chinese aircraft identified by its forces are "strategic transport aircraft" capable of performing various missions. "This incident is a serious matter that threatens national sovereignty and aviation safety, based on the density of air traffic in the airline routes in Kota Kinabalu FIR," the RMAF asserted. The Chinese planes eventually did not enter Malayasia's airspace even as it put the Hawk jets on high alert. (With inputs from Agencies)

Malaysia scrambles jets to intercept Chinese planes in South China Sea

The Philippines has protested China's continuing 'illegal presence and activities' near an island in the South China Sea held by the Southeast Asian nation, the foreign ministry said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Manila lodged the diplomatic protest on Friday over the 'incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels' in the vicinity of Thitu island.&nbsp;

It demanded its giant neighbour withdraw the vessels.&nbsp;

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours.&nbsp;

Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated over the months-long presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The Philippines says it believes the vessels were manned by militia, while Beijing has said they were fishing boats sheltering from bad weather.&nbsp;

"The Pag-asa Islands is an integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction," the foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Thitu, known as Pag-asa in the Philippines, is 451 km (280 miles) from the mainland and is the biggest of the eight reefs, shoals and islands it occupies in the Spratly archipelago.&nbsp;

China has built a mini-city with runways, hangars and surface-to-air-missiles in the Subi Reef about 25 km (15 miles) from Thitu.&nbsp;

This was at least the 84th diplomatic protest the Philippines has filed against China since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016.&nbsp;

An international tribunal that year invalidated China's expansive claim in the South China Sea, where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have competing claims to various islands and features in the area.&nbsp;

Duterte shelved the favourable ruling and pursued a rapprochement with Beijing in exchange for pledges of billions of dollars of loans, aid and investment, much of which are pending.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Philippines has protested China's continuing 'illegal presence and activities' near an island in the South China Sea held by the Southeast Asian nation, the foreign ministry said on Saturday.

The Philippines has protested China's continuing 'illegal presence and activities' near an island in the South China Sea held by the Southeast Asian nation, the foreign ministry said on Saturday. Manila lodged the diplomatic protest on Friday over the 'incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels' in the vicinity of Thitu island. It demanded its giant neighbour withdraw the vessels. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours. Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated over the months-long presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The Philippines says it believes the vessels were manned by militia, while Beijing has said they were fishing boats sheltering from bad weather. "The Pag-asa Islands is an integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Thitu, known as Pag-asa in the Philippines, is 451 km (280 miles) from the mainland and is the biggest of the eight reefs, shoals and islands it occupies in the Spratly archipelago. China has built a mini-city with runways, hangars and surface-to-air-missiles in the Subi Reef about 25 km (15 miles) from Thitu. This was at least the 84th diplomatic protest the Philippines has filed against China since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016. An international tribunal that year invalidated China's expansive claim in the South China Sea, where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have competing claims to various islands and features in the area. Duterte shelved the favourable ruling and pursued a rapprochement with Beijing in exchange for pledges of billions of dollars of loans, aid and investment, much of which are pending. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines protests China's 'illegal' South China Sea presence 

China's state-run Global Times has said that government officials had sent a "friendly signal" to US defence&nbsp;secretary Lloyd Austin for talks but the top US official had resorted to "unprofessional" and "unfriendly act of disregarding diplomatic protocol".

Watch:

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The Global Times quoting the Financial Times said Austin made three requests to speak to Xu Qiliang but "China refused to engage".&nbsp; The report added that Financial Times had accused China of "complicating bilateral relations by denying the talk requests", however, it said the allegation was "untrue".

Reports claimed Austin's attempt to connect with Xu Qiliang who is close to President Xi Jinping instead of &nbsp;Wei Fenghe who is the minister of defence&nbsp;was not looked at favourably in some quarters within the Communist Party.

The Global Times report quoting a source said Austin's move to seek out Qiliang "exceeded the demand of diplomatic etiquette". However, reports said Pentagon had confirmed that Austin has not connected with China's top military officials. &nbsp;

US and China have been clashing over the South China Sea issue including the Taiwan issue with Chinese jets repeatedly entering Taipei's airspace.

China views US ships passing through Taiwan Straits as threats to its sovereignty, however, the US has said it has been following the principle of "freedom of navigation".

On Thursday, a US naval destroyer passed through the Parcel islands claimed by China as Chinese officials condemned the move.

The US Seventh Fleet in a statement defended the move, saying: "The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant."

"The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," the US 7th Fleet asserted.

China's state-run Global Times has said that government officials had sent a "friendly signal" to US defence secretary Lloyd Austin for talks but the top US official had resorted to "unprofessional" and "unfriendly act of disregarding diplomatic protocol".

China's state-run Global Times has said that government officials had sent a "friendly signal" to US defence secretary Lloyd Austin for talks but the top US official had resorted to "unprofessional" and "unfriendly act of disregarding diplomatic protocol". Watch: The Global Times quoting the Financial Times said Austin made three requests to speak to Xu Qiliang but "China refused to engage". The report added that Financial Times had accused China of "complicating bilateral relations by denying the talk requests", however, it said the allegation was "untrue". Reports claimed Austin's attempt to connect with Xu Qiliang who is close to President Xi Jinping instead of Wei Fenghe who is the minister of defence was not looked at favourably in some quarters within the Communist Party. The Global Times report quoting a source said Austin's move to seek out Qiliang "exceeded the demand of diplomatic etiquette". However, reports said Pentagon had confirmed that Austin has not connected with China's top military officials. US and China have been clashing over the South China Sea issue including the Taiwan issue with Chinese jets repeatedly entering Taipei's airspace. China views US ships passing through Taiwan Straits as threats to its sovereignty, however, the US has said it has been following the principle of "freedom of navigation". On Thursday, a US naval destroyer passed through the Parcel islands claimed by China as Chinese officials condemned the move. The US Seventh Fleet in a statement defended the move, saying: "The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant." "The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," the US 7th Fleet asserted.

'Unprofessional and unfriendly': US, China in row over diplomatic protocol

India is grappling with the Wuhan virus. China is capitalising on India's crisis. It has wrapped up construction of a strategic highway in Tibet. A highway that is very close to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

This highway has been under construction for seven years now. China has spent 310 million dollars on this project. It passes though a grand canyon of the river Brahmaputra, on the Tibetan side. This highway will improve China's access to remote areas on the disputed border with Arunachal Pradesh.

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And while China picks up arms over India's road construction in Ladakh, it continues to build such strategic assets along the Indian border. This highway is just a small component of China's grand plan for Tibet.

Xi Jinping has ordered a major infrastructure push. It involves building roads, highways, villages and military outposts

Satellite images show that China has built three villages inside Bhutanese territory. The images taken in January 2021 also show a road connecting Tibet to a village out of these three. The village is called Gyala Phug

Two of the three villages are already occupied. As of the first week of May one was under construction.

And these villages have everything. 66 miles of new roads, a small hydro-power station, two communist party administrative centres, a communications base, a disaster relief warehouse, five outposts...they could be military or police.

These villages have everything to serve as a military base. They have security sites, signal towers, a military base and even a satellite receiving station. All of this has been built in the far north of Bhutan.

Chinese Communist Party's secretary for Tibet traveled to meet villagers in Gyala-Phug. He told the villagers to "Raise the bright five-star red flag high". This is reference to the Chinese flag. He is talking about raising the Chinese flag in Bhutan.

China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas. It is building structures to claim disputed territory. In the South China Sea, it fortified and armed shoals claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines.

Now, it has built a highway near Arunachal Pradesh and villages in Bhutan. China wants to do more such construction work along the Tibetan border.

China has released a new policy paper on Tibet. It reveals how Beijing has pumped money into construction activity on the border.

Reports from 2019 say China had plans to built 624 "Well off" villages and farms on Tibet's borders. By 2020, china said many of the border villages were better connected to highways. And all such villages have access to mobile communication. So a highway near Arunachal Pradesh and chinese villages in Bhutan.

All this construction activity is China's attempt to unilaterally change facts on the ground. through encroachment and colonisation.

Pandemic or not, China is not backing down. And India needs to watch out.

India is grappling with the Wuhan virus. China is capitalising on India's crisis. It has wrapped up construction of a strategic highway in Tibet. A highway that is very close to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

India is grappling with the Wuhan virus. China is capitalising on India's crisis. It has wrapped up construction of a strategic highway in Tibet. A highway that is very close to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This highway has been under construction for seven years now. China has spent 310 million dollars on this project. It passes though a grand canyon of the river Brahmaputra, on the Tibetan side. This highway will improve China's access to remote areas on the disputed border with Arunachal Pradesh. × And while China picks up arms over India's road construction in Ladakh, it continues to build such strategic assets along the Indian border. This highway is just a small component of China's grand plan for Tibet. Xi Jinping has ordered a major infrastructure push. It involves building roads, highways, villages and military outposts Satellite images show that China has built three villages inside Bhutanese territory. The images taken in January 2021 also show a road connecting Tibet to a village out of these three. The village is called Gyala Phug Two of the three villages are already occupied. As of the first week of May one was under construction. And these villages have everything. 66 miles of new roads, a small hydro-power station, two communist party administrative centres, a communications base, a disaster relief warehouse, five outposts...they could be military or police. These villages have everything to serve as a military base. They have security sites, signal towers, a military base and even a satellite receiving station. All of this has been built in the far north of Bhutan. Chinese Communist Party's secretary for Tibet traveled to meet villagers in Gyala-Phug. He told the villagers to "Raise the bright five-star red flag high". This is reference to the Chinese flag. He is talking about raising the Chinese flag in Bhutan. China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas. It is building structures to claim disputed territory. In the South China Sea, it fortified and armed shoals claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines. Now, it has built a highway near Arunachal Pradesh and villages in Bhutan. China wants to do more such construction work along the Tibetan border. China has released a new policy paper on Tibet. It reveals how Beijing has pumped money into construction activity on the border. Reports from 2019 say China had plans to built 624 "Well off" villages and farms on Tibet's borders. By 2020, china said many of the border villages were better connected to highways. And all such villages have access to mobile communication. So a highway near Arunachal Pradesh and chinese villages in Bhutan. All this construction activity is China's attempt to unilaterally change facts on the ground. through encroachment and colonisation. Pandemic or not, China is not backing down. And India needs to watch out.

China is taking its South China Sea strategy to Himalayas

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

The government of the Philippines says it has logged what it calls "illegal incursions" into its waters by 287 boats with Chinese militia aboard.

Chinese militia boats 'entering Philippine water'

The Philippines does not recognise China's annual fishing ban that covers the West Philippine Sea, the country's national security adviser said on Wednesday.

"This fishing ban does not apply to our fishermen," the Philippines' South China Sea task force said in a statement late on Tuesday.

"Our fisherfolk are encouraged to go out and fish in our waters." 
 
West Philippine Sea is the official designation by the Philippine government of eastern parts of the South China Sea which are included in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The term is also sometimes incorrectly used to refer to the South China Sea as a whole.

The fishing moratorium imposed by China since 1999 runs from May 1 to Aug. 16 and covers areas of the South China Sea as well as other waters off China.

The task force opposed China's imposition of the ban over the areas within the territory and jurisdiction of the Philippines, adding "our fisherfolk are encouraged to go out and fish in our waters in the WPS (West Philippine Sea)"

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Manila, which refers to an area as the West Philippine Sea, has for years been embroiled in a dispute over Beijing's sweeping claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea.

An international tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims, but China has rejected the ruling.

Tensions between the two countries have recently escalated after Manila accused China of territorial incursions by hundreds of its vessels in the resource-rich waterway.

The Philippines has filed diplomatic protests against China over what it calls the "illegal" presence of the Chinese vessels, which it says are manned by militia.

Chinese diplomats have said the boats were just sheltering from rough seas and no militia were aboard.

The Philippines' South China Sea taskforce said it spotted seven "Chinese Maritime Militia" at the Sabina shoal in the disputed Spratly archipelago on April 27, which dispersed after being challenged by the Philippine coast guard.

Five returned two days later but left after the Philippine coast guard arrived, it said. Sabina shoal is around 130 nautical miles from the western Philippine island of Palawan.

"The Philippines is not deterred from defending our national interest, patrimony, and our dignity as a people with all that we have," the task force said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Philippines does not recognise China's annual fishing ban that covers the West Philippine Sea, the country's national security adviser said on Wednesday. "This fishing ban does not apply to our fishermen," the Philippines' South China Sea task force said in a statement late on Tuesday.

The Philippines does not recognise China's annual fishing ban that covers the West Philippine Sea, the country's national security adviser said on Wednesday. "This fishing ban does not apply to our fishermen," the Philippines' South China Sea task force said in a statement late on Tuesday. "Our fisherfolk are encouraged to go out and fish in our waters." West Philippine Sea is the official designation by the Philippine government of eastern parts of the South China Sea which are included in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The term is also sometimes incorrectly used to refer to the South China Sea as a whole. The fishing moratorium imposed by China since 1999 runs from May 1 to Aug. 16 and covers areas of the South China Sea as well as other waters off China. The task force opposed China's imposition of the ban over the areas within the territory and jurisdiction of the Philippines, adding "our fisherfolk are encouraged to go out and fish in our waters in the WPS (West Philippine Sea)" The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Manila, which refers to an area as the West Philippine Sea, has for years been embroiled in a dispute over Beijing's sweeping claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea. An international tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims, but China has rejected the ruling. Tensions between the two countries have recently escalated after Manila accused China of territorial incursions by hundreds of its vessels in the resource-rich waterway. The Philippines has filed diplomatic protests against China over what it calls the "illegal" presence of the Chinese vessels, which it says are manned by militia. Chinese diplomats have said the boats were just sheltering from rough seas and no militia were aboard. The Philippines' South China Sea taskforce said it spotted seven "Chinese Maritime Militia" at the Sabina shoal in the disputed Spratly archipelago on April 27, which dispersed after being challenged by the Philippine coast guard. Five returned two days later but left after the Philippine coast guard arrived, it said. Sabina shoal is around 130 nautical miles from the western Philippine island of Palawan. "The Philippines is not deterred from defending our national interest, patrimony, and our dignity as a people with all that we have," the task force said. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines rejects Chinese fishing ban in South China Sea

According to the People’s Liberation Army, China’s Shandong aircraft carrier group has recently conducted military exercises in the South China Sea, after Beijing criticized the US for sending Navy ships into the strategic area.

China’s Shandong aircraft carrier conducts military exercise in South China Sea

The Philippines will continue maritime exercises inside its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, the country's defence minister said on Sunday, despite a call by China to stop actions that it said could escalate disputes.

The Philippine coastguard and fisheries bureau started maritime exercises last month, having boosted its presence in the area to counter the "threatening" presence of Chinese boats.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which about $3 trillion worth of ship borne trade passes each year, despite a 2016 ruling by an arbitration tribunal in The Hague that Beijing's claim was inconsistent with international law.

"The conduct of maritime patrol in the WPS (West Philippine Sea) and Kalayaan Island Group by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will continue," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement, using the local name for the South China Sea.

"The government will not waver in its position," he said.

The lingering presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in the Philippines' EEZ has revived tensions between the countries, despite President Rodrigo Duterte's friendship with Beijing.

Lorenzana said his comments echoed the stance of Duterte on the issue, citing the latter's "very firm and straightforward" orders for the Philippine military to "defend what is rightfully ours without going to war and maintain the peace in the seas".

While Duterte still considers China as "a good friend", the Philippine leader last week said: "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."

Lorenzana said the Philippines "can be cordial and cooperative with other nations but not at the expense of our sovereignty and sovereign rights".

The Philippines will continue maritime exercises inside its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, the country's defence minister said on Sunday, despite a call by China to stop actions that it said could escalate disputes.

The Philippines will continue maritime exercises inside its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, the country's defence minister said on Sunday, despite a call by China to stop actions that it said could escalate disputes. The Philippine coastguard and fisheries bureau started maritime exercises last month, having boosted its presence in the area to counter the "threatening" presence of Chinese boats. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which about $3 trillion worth of ship borne trade passes each year, despite a 2016 ruling by an arbitration tribunal in The Hague that Beijing's claim was inconsistent with international law. "The conduct of maritime patrol in the WPS (West Philippine Sea) and Kalayaan Island Group by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will continue," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement, using the local name for the South China Sea. "The government will not waver in its position," he said. The lingering presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in the Philippines' EEZ has revived tensions between the countries, despite President Rodrigo Duterte's friendship with Beijing. Lorenzana said his comments echoed the stance of Duterte on the issue, citing the latter's "very firm and straightforward" orders for the Philippine military to "defend what is rightfully ours without going to war and maintain the peace in the seas". While Duterte still considers China as "a good friend", the Philippine leader last week said: "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." Lorenzana said the Philippines "can be cordial and cooperative with other nations but not at the expense of our sovereignty and sovereign rights".

Philippines vows to continue maritime exercises in South China Sea

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will not withdraw navy and coast guard boats patrolling the disputed South China Sea, insisting the country's sovereignty over the waters is not negotiable.

Tensions over the sea, which China claims almost entirely,&nbsp;have spiked as Beijing refuses to pull out vessels from the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone and Manila steps up maritime patrols.

Duterte is under growing domestic pressure to take a harder line, but has been reluctant to confront China over the issue as he fosters closer ties with the economic giant.&nbsp;

He said late Wednesday that while the Philippines is indebted to its "good friend" China for many things, including free Covid-19 vaccines, his country's claims to the waterway "cannot be bargainable".

"I'll tell China, we do not want trouble, we do not want war. But if you tell us to leave -- no," Duterte said.&nbsp;

"There are things which are not really subject to a compromise, such as us pulling back. It's difficult. I hope they understand, but I have the interest of my country also to protect."

Duterte's remarks came after the country's defence department said "China has no business telling the Philippines what we can and cannot do with our own waters".

The Philippine coast guard is conducting drills near Thitu Island and Scarborough Shoal, as well as the Batanes islands in the north and the southern and eastern parts of the country.

Scarborough -- one of the region's richest fishing grounds -- has long been a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing.

In response to the exercises, China's foreign ministry said Monday the Philippines should "stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes".

In recent weeks, Manila has boosted "sovereignty patrols" involving the navy, coast guard and fisheries in the Spratly Islands -- an archipelago contested by several countries.

Beijing has ignored a 2016 international tribunal decision that declared its historical claim over most of the South China Sea to be without basis.

Once-frosty ties between Manila and Beijing have warmed under Duterte, who set aside the ruling in exchange for promises of trade and investment -- which critics say have not materialised.

Delays in Covid-19 vaccine deliveries has left the Philippines heavily reliant on the CoronaVac jab developed by China's Sinovac.

Around 3.5 million doses of CoronaVac have been sent to the Southeast Asian country so far, including one million donated doses.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will not withdraw navy and coast guard boats patrolling the disputed South China Sea, insisting the country's sovereignty over the waters is not negotiable.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will not withdraw navy and coast guard boats patrolling the disputed South China Sea, insisting the country's sovereignty over the waters is not negotiable. Tensions over the sea, which China claims almost entirely, have spiked as Beijing refuses to pull out vessels from the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone and Manila steps up maritime patrols. Duterte is under growing domestic pressure to take a harder line, but has been reluctant to confront China over the issue as he fosters closer ties with the economic giant. He said late Wednesday that while the Philippines is indebted to its "good friend" China for many things, including free Covid-19 vaccines, his country's claims to the waterway "cannot be bargainable". "I'll tell China, we do not want trouble, we do not want war. But if you tell us to leave -- no," Duterte said. "There are things which are not really subject to a compromise, such as us pulling back. It's difficult. I hope they understand, but I have the interest of my country also to protect." Duterte's remarks came after the country's defence department said "China has no business telling the Philippines what we can and cannot do with our own waters". The Philippine coast guard is conducting drills near Thitu Island and Scarborough Shoal, as well as the Batanes islands in the north and the southern and eastern parts of the country. Scarborough -- one of the region's richest fishing grounds -- has long been a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing. In response to the exercises, China's foreign ministry said Monday the Philippines should "stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes". In recent weeks, Manila has boosted "sovereignty patrols" involving the navy, coast guard and fisheries in the Spratly Islands -- an archipelago contested by several countries. Beijing has ignored a 2016 international tribunal decision that declared its historical claim over most of the South China Sea to be without basis. Once-frosty ties between Manila and Beijing have warmed under Duterte, who set aside the ruling in exchange for promises of trade and investment -- which critics say have not materialised. Delays in Covid-19 vaccine deliveries has left the Philippines heavily reliant on the CoronaVac jab developed by China's Sinovac. Around 3.5 million doses of CoronaVac have been sent to the Southeast Asian country so far, including one million donated doses. (With inputs from agencies)

'Sovereignty not negotiable': Philippines' Duterte refuses to stop South China Sea patrols

The European Union called out China on Saturday for endangering peace in the South China Sea and urged all parties to abide by a 2016 tribunal ruling which rejected most of China's claim to sovereignty in the sea, but which Beijing has rejected.

The EU last week released a new policy aimed at stepping up its influence in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China's rising power.

The Philippines on Friday protested to China over its failure to withdraw what it called as "threatening" boats believed to be manned by maritime militia around the disputed Whitsun Reef, which Manila calls the Julian Felipe Reef.

"Tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at Whitsun Reef, endanger peace and stability in the region," a EU spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday.

EU reiterated its strong opposition to "unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and international rules-based order".

It urged all parties to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, and highlighted a 2016 international arbitration that had ruled in favor of the Philippines while invalidating most of China's claims in the South China Sea.

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China rejected EU's accusation that its ships at Whitsun Reef, which China calls Niu'E Jiao, had endangered peace and security.

The Chinese Mission to the EU in a statement on Saturday reiterated that the reef is part of China's Nansha Islands, or Spratly Islands, and that it was "reasonable and lawful" for Chinese fishing boats to operate there and shelter from the wind.

The Chinese statement also insisted that China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea were formed in the "long course of history and consistent with international law" and rejected the 2016 tribunal ruling as "null and void".

"The South China Sea should not become a tool for certain countries to contain and suppress China, much less a wrestling ground for major-power rivalry," the Chinese statement said.

China is increasingly worried that Europe and other countries are heeding U.S. President Joe Biden's call for a "coordinated approach" towards China, which had so far materialised in the form of sanctions over its security crackdown in Hong Kong and treatment of Uyghur Muslims.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last month said Washington "stands by its ally, the Philippines," in the face of China’s massing maritime militia at Whitsun Reef.

The European Union called out China on Saturday for endangering peace in the South China Sea and urged all parties to abide by a 2016 tribunal ruling which rejected most of China's claim to sovereignty in the sea, but which Beijing has rejected.

The European Union called out China on Saturday for endangering peace in the South China Sea and urged all parties to abide by a 2016 tribunal ruling which rejected most of China's claim to sovereignty in the sea, but which Beijing has rejected. The EU last week released a new policy aimed at stepping up its influence in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China's rising power. The Philippines on Friday protested to China over its failure to withdraw what it called as "threatening" boats believed to be manned by maritime militia around the disputed Whitsun Reef, which Manila calls the Julian Felipe Reef. "Tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at Whitsun Reef, endanger peace and stability in the region," a EU spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday. EU reiterated its strong opposition to "unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and international rules-based order". It urged all parties to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, and highlighted a 2016 international arbitration that had ruled in favor of the Philippines while invalidating most of China's claims in the South China Sea. China rejected EU's accusation that its ships at Whitsun Reef, which China calls Niu'E Jiao, had endangered peace and security. The Chinese Mission to the EU in a statement on Saturday reiterated that the reef is part of China's Nansha Islands, or Spratly Islands, and that it was "reasonable and lawful" for Chinese fishing boats to operate there and shelter from the wind. The Chinese statement also insisted that China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea were formed in the "long course of history and consistent with international law" and rejected the 2016 tribunal ruling as "null and void". "The South China Sea should not become a tool for certain countries to contain and suppress China, much less a wrestling ground for major-power rivalry," the Chinese statement said. China is increasingly worried that Europe and other countries are heeding U.S. President Joe Biden's call for a "coordinated approach" towards China, which had so far materialised in the form of sanctions over its security crackdown in Hong Kong and treatment of Uyghur Muslims. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last month said Washington "stands by its ally, the Philippines," in the face of China’s massing maritime militia at Whitsun Reef.

EU blames China for endangering peace in South China Sea

EU reiterated its strong opposition to "unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and international rules-based order".

South China Sea Maneuvers : EU rejects China's claim to sovereignty

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