<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistans-next-double-game-marriage-with-china-affair-with-us-237219">China</a> will be able to place armed forces at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-chinese-warships-dock-in-cambodia-to-boost-ties-military-cooperation-189207">Cambodian naval base</a> under a secret agreement the two nations have reached, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, although Cambodian officials denied such a deal had been struck.

The agreement, reached this spring but not made public, gives China exclusive access to part of Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand, the Journal reported, citing US and allied officials familiar with the matter.

Such an arrangement would give China an enhanced ability to assert contested territorial claims and economic interests in the South China Sea, challenging US allies in Southeast Asia. Chinese and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eighteen-dead-24-injured-in-cambodia-building-collapse-229696">Cambodian officials</a> denied such an agreement existed, according to the Journal.

"This is the worst-ever made-up news against Cambodia," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told the pro-government news site Fresh News on Monday.

"No such thing could happen because hosting foreign military bases is against the Cambodian constitution," he said.

Cambodian defence ministry spokesman Chhum Socheat told Reuters the report was "made up and baseless".

China, Hun Sen's strongest regional ally, has poured billions of dollars in development assistance and loans into Cambodia through bilateral frameworks and China's Belt and Road initiative.

The initiative, unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to bolster a sprawling network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

It has attracted a flood of Chinese commercial ventures in Cambodia, including casinos and special economic zones.

The US&nbsp;Defence Department suggested earlier this month China may be attempting to gain a military foothold in Cambodia in a letter to Cambodia asking why the nation had turned down an offer to repair a naval base.

The State Department urged Cambodia in a statement to reject such an arrangement, saying the nation had a "constitutional commitment to its people to pursue an independent foreign policy."

"We are concerned that any steps by the Cambodian government to invite a foreign military presence in Cambodia would threaten the coherence and centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in coordinating regional developments, and disturb peace and stability in Southeast Asia," the statement said.

Cambodia denied reports last November that Beijing had been lobbying the Southeast Asian country since 2017 for a naval base that could host frigates, destroyers and other vessels of China's People's Liberation Army Navy.

China will be able to place armed forces at a Cambodian naval base under a secret agreement the two nations have reached, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, although Cambodian officials denied such a deal had been struck.

China will be able to place armed forces at a Cambodian naval base under a secret agreement the two nations have reached, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, although Cambodian officials denied such a deal had been struck. The agreement, reached this spring but not made public, gives China exclusive access to part of Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand, the Journal reported, citing US and allied officials familiar with the matter. Such an arrangement would give China an enhanced ability to assert contested territorial claims and economic interests in the South China Sea, challenging US allies in Southeast Asia. Chinese and Cambodian officials denied such an agreement existed, according to the Journal. "This is the worst-ever made-up news against Cambodia," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told the pro-government news site Fresh News on Monday. "No such thing could happen because hosting foreign military bases is against the Cambodian constitution," he said. Cambodian defence ministry spokesman Chhum Socheat told Reuters the report was "made up and baseless". China, Hun Sen's strongest regional ally, has poured billions of dollars in development assistance and loans into Cambodia through bilateral frameworks and China's Belt and Road initiative. The initiative, unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to bolster a sprawling network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. It has attracted a flood of Chinese commercial ventures in Cambodia, including casinos and special economic zones. The US Defence Department suggested earlier this month China may be attempting to gain a military foothold in Cambodia in a letter to Cambodia asking why the nation had turned down an offer to repair a naval base. The State Department urged Cambodia in a statement to reject such an arrangement, saying the nation had a "constitutional commitment to its people to pursue an independent foreign policy." "We are concerned that any steps by the Cambodian government to invite a foreign military presence in Cambodia would threaten the coherence and centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in coordinating regional developments, and disturb peace and stability in Southeast Asia," the statement said. Cambodia denied reports last November that Beijing had been lobbying the Southeast Asian country since 2017 for a naval base that could host frigates, destroyers and other vessels of China's People's Liberation Army Navy.

Cambodia denies deal to allow armed Chinese forces at its naval base

The US State Department said on Saturday it is concerned by reports of China`s interference with oil and gas activities in the South China Sea, including Vietnam`s long-standing exploration and production activities.

"China`s repeated provocative actions aimed at the offshore oil and gas development of other claimant states threatens regional energy security and undermines the free and open Indo-Pacific energy market," the State Department said in a statement.

Vietnam on Friday accused a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts of violating its sovereignty and demanded that China remove the ships from Vietnamese waters.&nbsp;

Vietnam and China have for years-long been embroiled in a dispute over the potentially energy-rich stretch of waters in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, two US-based think tanks reported that Chinese and Vietnamese vessels had engaged in a standoff lasting several weeks near an oil block in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. Neither Beijing nor Hanoi have directly confirmed or denied the reports.

"The United States firmly opposes coercion and intimidation by any claimant to assert its territorial or maritime claims," the State Department said.&nbsp;

"China should cease its bullying behaviour and refrain from engaging in this type of provocative and destabilizing activity," it added.

The State Department also pointed to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo`s comments earlier this year when he said, "by blocking development in the South China Sea through coercive means, China prevents ASEAN members from accessing more than $2.5 trillion in recoverable energy reserves."

The State Department also said that China`s growing pressure on ASEAN countries to accept provisions that seek to restrict their right to partner with third-party companies or countries further reveal its intent to assert control over oil and gas resources in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

"China’s reclamation and militarization of disputed outposts in the South China Sea...including the use of maritime militia to intimidate, coerce, and threaten other nations, undermine the peace and security of the region," it said.

The US State Department said on Saturday it is concerned by reports of China`s interference with oil and gas activities in the South China Sea, including Vietnam`s long-standing exploration and production activities.

The US State Department said on Saturday it is concerned by reports of China`s interference with oil and gas activities in the South China Sea, including Vietnam`s long-standing exploration and production activities. "China`s repeated provocative actions aimed at the offshore oil and gas development of other claimant states threatens regional energy security and undermines the free and open Indo-Pacific energy market," the State Department said in a statement. Vietnam on Friday accused a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts of violating its sovereignty and demanded that China remove the ships from Vietnamese waters. Vietnam and China have for years-long been embroiled in a dispute over the potentially energy-rich stretch of waters in the South China Sea. On Wednesday, two US-based think tanks reported that Chinese and Vietnamese vessels had engaged in a standoff lasting several weeks near an oil block in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. Neither Beijing nor Hanoi have directly confirmed or denied the reports. "The United States firmly opposes coercion and intimidation by any claimant to assert its territorial or maritime claims," the State Department said. "China should cease its bullying behaviour and refrain from engaging in this type of provocative and destabilizing activity," it added. The State Department also pointed to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo`s comments earlier this year when he said, "by blocking development in the South China Sea through coercive means, China prevents ASEAN members from accessing more than $2.5 trillion in recoverable energy reserves." The State Department also said that China`s growing pressure on ASEAN countries to accept provisions that seek to restrict their right to partner with third-party companies or countries further reveal its intent to assert control over oil and gas resources in the South China Sea. "China’s reclamation and militarization of disputed outposts in the South China Sea...including the use of maritime militia to intimidate, coerce, and threaten other nations, undermine the peace and security of the region," it said.

Concerned by reports of Chinese interference in South China Sea: US State Department

Taiwan moved thousands of people to safety on Wednesday as the island braced for its first typhoon this year, as airlines cancelled domestic flights and authorities issued warnings about floods and high seas.

Typhoon Danas, categorised at the weakest typhoon level, was expected to hit the eastern county of Yilan late on Thursday. It was moving across the ocean in a northwesterly direction at 18 kph (11 mph), weather officials said.

More than 2,000 people were moved to safety, most of them tourists on islands off its east coast, authorities said.

Nearly two dozen domestic flights and ferry services were cancelled, while troops were put on standby in some areas amid fears of heavy rain, which can trigger landslides and flooding.

Typhoons regularly hit Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and Japan in the second half of the year, gathering strength from the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea.

Typhoon Morakot devastated Taiwan in 2009, killing nearly 700 people, most of them in landslides.

Taiwan moved thousands of people to safety on Wednesday as the island braced for its first typhoon this year, as airlines cancelled domestic flights and authorities issued warnings about floods and high seas.

Taiwan moved thousands of people to safety on Wednesday as the island braced for its first typhoon this year, as airlines cancelled domestic flights and authorities issued warnings about floods and high seas. Typhoon Danas, categorised at the weakest typhoon level, was expected to hit the eastern county of Yilan late on Thursday. It was moving across the ocean in a northwesterly direction at 18 kph (11 mph), weather officials said. More than 2,000 people were moved to safety, most of them tourists on islands off its east coast, authorities said. Nearly two dozen domestic flights and ferry services were cancelled, while troops were put on standby in some areas amid fears of heavy rain, which can trigger landslides and flooding. Typhoons regularly hit Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and Japan in the second half of the year, gathering strength from the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea. Typhoon Morakot devastated Taiwan in 2009, killing nearly 700 people, most of them in landslides.

Taiwan issues warnings for year's first typhoon as thousands evacuated

Southeast Asian leaders met on Sunday for the second day of a summit in Bangkok, where they were expected to discuss pressing regional issues including the plight of Myanmar's fleeing Rohingyas and the South China Sea dispute.

Leaders of the 10 countries on Saturday adopted a joint declaration against marine plastic pollution and stressed the importance of a regional trade pact first proposed by China.

ASEAN leaders face calls from rights groups to rethink support for plans to repatriate Rohingya Muslims who have fled member state Myanmar, where activists say returnees could face discrimination and persecution.

More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh in 2017, according to U.N. agencies, after a crackdown by Myanmar's military sparked by Rohingya insurgent attacks on security forces.

Malaysia's foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah on Saturday called for perpetrators of massacres and atrocities against the Rohingya to be "brought to justice," according to a tweet issued by his ministry.

"The repatriation process must include the citizenship of the Rohingyas," Saifuddin said.

"The Rohingya issue is a major test for the capability of ASEAN to make good on its words about being "One Caring and Sharing Community," said Marty Natalegawa, a former Indonesian foreign minister, recalling a 2007 declaration the group made in Cebu, the Philippines.

"Developments in Myanmar ... is providing a litmus test for ASEAN's capacity to manage developments in one of its member states that have wider ramifications for the region and, indeed, beyond," Natalegawa told Reuters.

South China Sea

Formed more than 50 years ago, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has historically struggled with challenges facing the region because it works only by consensus and is reluctant to become involved in any matter regarded as internal to a member state.

"I invite all of you in this room ... to join hands and drive forward to establish a foundation for the ASEAN community - a people-centred one that leaves no one behind," said Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha in his opening remarks.

Prayuth, who as army chief seized power in 2014, was making his ASEAN debut as a civilian leader, after a general election in March that opposition parties say was designed to ensure victory for his pro-military party.

The countries made some progress on a Code of Conduct negotiating draft for the disputed South China Sea and likely will finish the first reading by the end of this year, said Busadee Santipitaks, Thailand's foreign ministry spokeswoman.

The final reading is expected by the end of 2021, she added.

The South China Sea is one of the world's busiest waterways, and a potential flashpoint in the region as several ASEAN members - the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia - as well as China and Taiwan have conflicting territorial claims.

Experts have cast doubts over what progress the 10-country group could make on the matter.

"We are hoping that the code of conduct being negotiated will be binding," Kantathi Suphamongkhon, a former Thai foreign minister told Reuters. "If it is not then we will be back at the beginning again."

Southeast Asian leaders met on Sunday for the second day of a summit in Bangkok, where they were expected to discuss pressing regional issues including the plight of Myanmar's fleeing Rohingyas and the South China Sea dispute.

Southeast Asian leaders met on Sunday for the second day of a summit in Bangkok, where they were expected to discuss pressing regional issues including the plight of Myanmar's fleeing Rohingyas and the South China Sea dispute. Leaders of the 10 countries on Saturday adopted a joint declaration against marine plastic pollution and stressed the importance of a regional trade pact first proposed by China. ASEAN leaders face calls from rights groups to rethink support for plans to repatriate Rohingya Muslims who have fled member state Myanmar, where activists say returnees could face discrimination and persecution. More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh in 2017, according to U.N. agencies, after a crackdown by Myanmar's military sparked by Rohingya insurgent attacks on security forces. Malaysia's foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah on Saturday called for perpetrators of massacres and atrocities against the Rohingya to be "brought to justice," according to a tweet issued by his ministry. "The repatriation process must include the citizenship of the Rohingyas," Saifuddin said. "The Rohingya issue is a major test for the capability of ASEAN to make good on its words about being "One Caring and Sharing Community," said Marty Natalegawa, a former Indonesian foreign minister, recalling a 2007 declaration the group made in Cebu, the Philippines. "Developments in Myanmar ... is providing a litmus test for ASEAN's capacity to manage developments in one of its member states that have wider ramifications for the region and, indeed, beyond," Natalegawa told Reuters. South China Sea Formed more than 50 years ago, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has historically struggled with challenges facing the region because it works only by consensus and is reluctant to become involved in any matter regarded as internal to a member state. "I invite all of you in this room ... to join hands and drive forward to establish a foundation for the ASEAN community - a people-centred one that leaves no one behind," said Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha in his opening remarks. Prayuth, who as army chief seized power in 2014, was making his ASEAN debut as a civilian leader, after a general election in March that opposition parties say was designed to ensure victory for his pro-military party. The countries made some progress on a Code of Conduct negotiating draft for the disputed South China Sea and likely will finish the first reading by the end of this year, said Busadee Santipitaks, Thailand's foreign ministry spokeswoman. The final reading is expected by the end of 2021, she added. The South China Sea is one of the world's busiest waterways, and a potential flashpoint in the region as several ASEAN members - the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia - as well as China and Taiwan have conflicting territorial claims. Experts have cast doubts over what progress the 10-country group could make on the matter. "We are hoping that the code of conduct being negotiated will be binding," Kantathi Suphamongkhon, a former Thai foreign minister told Reuters. "If it is not then we will be back at the beginning again."

Southeast Asian leaders meet, expected to discuss Rohingyas, South China Sea

Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Bangkok on Saturday determined to drive forward the world's largest commercial pact, with the trade war between the US and China clouding the outlook for their export-led economies.

Disputes in the flashpoint the South China Sea, Myanmar's persecution of Rohingya Muslims and plastic pollution in the seas are also set to be discussed at the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, chaired by Thailand.

But trade will take centre stage with ASEAN leaders keen to hasten the signing of a China-drafted commercial deal covering around half the world's population.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) includes all 10 ASEAN economies, plus India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

It is seen as a mechanism for China to draft the rules of Asia-Pacific trade, following a US retreat from the region.

Shortly after his election, President Donald Trump pulled the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) -- which would have been the world's largest trade deal -- slamming it as an American "job killer".

While tit-for-tat tariffs between the world's biggest two economies have seen some manufacturers flee China to safer ASEAN hubs, economists say the big picture for global growth is bleak.

In that context, "RCEP is key to increasing trade volume", Thai government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak told reporters.

"The faster it (RCEP) gets implemented the better," Martin M. Andanar, Philippines Communications Secretary, told reporters.

"Free trade is definitely what we need here in this region," he said, adding that the US-China trade row has resulted in "the entire world catching a cold".

Progress on the deal has stuttered in recent months with India digging in over fears cheap Chinese goods could flood its massive consumer market.

Australia and New Zealand have also raised concerns over a lack of labour and environmental safeguards.

Rohingya talks

ASEAN is frequently criticised as a soft forum where diplomatic niceties often outweigh concrete action on pressing problems.

Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad on Friday raised the prospect of a joust with Myanmar over the Rohingya, the Muslim minority driven in massive numbers into Bangladesh by waves of concussive violence.

"We hope something can be done to stop the oppression," he said.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in Bangkok for the weekend meeting.&nbsp;

ASEAN foreign ministers discussed the repatriation of more than 740,000 Rohingya refugees that have fled into Bangladesh, according to Thai foreign minister Don Pramudwinai.&nbsp;

The bloc has come under fire for suggesting the refugees should go back to Myanmar within two years, according to a leaked report seen by AFP -- though virtually none have volunteered to go back so far, citing safety concerns. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"It (repatriation) will be quick, Myanmar knows this process is being watched by everyone," Don told reporters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The bloc is also poised to agree on a declaration to "prevent and significantly reduce" marine debris -- including plastic -- across the region, according to a draft text seen by AFP.

Though the statement is the first of its kind for the region, which dumps millions of tonnes of plastic waste into the ocean every year, activists fear it doesn't go far enough in curbing single-plastic use.&nbsp;

Regional leaders are also set to tackle thorny South China Sea issues at the weekend meet, with a draft Code of Conduct agreement up for review, though observers doubt any major progress will me made to inch the deal closer to completion.&nbsp;

Discussions around the resource-rich waterway that Beijing claims most of were overshadowed by a recent dust-up in the sea between a Chinese ship that rammed a Filipino fishing boat and caused it to sink.

Manila said a joint investigation into the incident has been launched, adding that the run-in would not derail Code of Conduct talks. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Bangkok on Saturday determined to drive forward the world's largest commercial pact, with the trade war between the US and China clouding the outlook for their export-led economies.

Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Bangkok on Saturday determined to drive forward the world's largest commercial pact, with the trade war between the US and China clouding the outlook for their export-led economies. Disputes in the flashpoint the South China Sea, Myanmar's persecution of Rohingya Muslims and plastic pollution in the seas are also set to be discussed at the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, chaired by Thailand. But trade will take centre stage with ASEAN leaders keen to hasten the signing of a China-drafted commercial deal covering around half the world's population. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) includes all 10 ASEAN economies, plus India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. It is seen as a mechanism for China to draft the rules of Asia-Pacific trade, following a US retreat from the region. Shortly after his election, President Donald Trump pulled the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) -- which would have been the world's largest trade deal -- slamming it as an American "job killer". While tit-for-tat tariffs between the world's biggest two economies have seen some manufacturers flee China to safer ASEAN hubs, economists say the big picture for global growth is bleak. In that context, "RCEP is key to increasing trade volume", Thai government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak told reporters. "The faster it (RCEP) gets implemented the better," Martin M. Andanar, Philippines Communications Secretary, told reporters. "Free trade is definitely what we need here in this region," he said, adding that the US-China trade row has resulted in "the entire world catching a cold". Progress on the deal has stuttered in recent months with India digging in over fears cheap Chinese goods could flood its massive consumer market. Australia and New Zealand have also raised concerns over a lack of labour and environmental safeguards. Rohingya talks ASEAN is frequently criticised as a soft forum where diplomatic niceties often outweigh concrete action on pressing problems. Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad on Friday raised the prospect of a joust with Myanmar over the Rohingya, the Muslim minority driven in massive numbers into Bangladesh by waves of concussive violence. "We hope something can be done to stop the oppression," he said. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in Bangkok for the weekend meeting. ASEAN foreign ministers discussed the repatriation of more than 740,000 Rohingya refugees that have fled into Bangladesh, according to Thai foreign minister Don Pramudwinai. The bloc has come under fire for suggesting the refugees should go back to Myanmar within two years, according to a leaked report seen by AFP -- though virtually none have volunteered to go back so far, citing safety concerns. "It (repatriation) will be quick, Myanmar knows this process is being watched by everyone," Don told reporters. The bloc is also poised to agree on a declaration to "prevent and significantly reduce" marine debris -- including plastic -- across the region, according to a draft text seen by AFP. Though the statement is the first of its kind for the region, which dumps millions of tonnes of plastic waste into the ocean every year, activists fear it doesn't go far enough in curbing single-plastic use. Regional leaders are also set to tackle thorny South China Sea issues at the weekend meet, with a draft Code of Conduct agreement up for review, though observers doubt any major progress will me made to inch the deal closer to completion. Discussions around the resource-rich waterway that Beijing claims most of were overshadowed by a recent dust-up in the sea between a Chinese ship that rammed a Filipino fishing boat and caused it to sink. Manila said a joint investigation into the incident has been launched, adding that the run-in would not derail Code of Conduct talks.

Southeast Asian leaders throw weight behind China-led trade pact

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-may-use-iran-threat-to-sell-bombs-to-saudis-without-congress-approval-senator-220787">The Trump administration</a> has moved ahead with a&nbsp;surveillance&nbsp;drone sale to four US&nbsp;allies in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;region as acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Washington will no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia.

The&nbsp;drones&nbsp;would afford greater intelligence gathering capabilities potentially curbing Chinese activity in the region.

Shanahan did not directly name&nbsp;China&nbsp;when making accusations of "actors" destabilising the region in a speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-warships-take-part-in-international-maritime-defence-exhibition-in-singapore-218962">Singapore</a> on Saturday but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour.

The Pentagon had announced on Friday it would&nbsp;sell&nbsp;34&nbsp;ScanEagle&nbsp;drones, made by Boeing Co. to the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam for a total of $47 million.

China&nbsp;claims almost all of the strategic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-220018">South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea</a>&nbsp;and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese occupied islands. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims.

The Pentagon had said on Friday's sales included spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools, training and technical services and work on the equipment was expected to be completed by March 2022.

As many as 12 unarmed&nbsp;drones&nbsp;and equipment would go to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-picks-up-58-malaysia-bound-rohingya-at-sea-223039">Malaysia</a> for about $19 million. Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country would buy eight&nbsp;drones, the Philippines eight, and Vietnam six.

In 2018, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration rolled out a long-awaited overhaul of US arms export policy aimed at expanding sales to allies, saying it would bolster the American defence industry and create jobs at home.

That initiative eased rules for exporting some types of lethal as well as non-lethal US made&nbsp;drones&nbsp;to potentially dozens more allies and partners.

There is no armed version of the ScanEagle, but Insitu, the division of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/medium-haul-737-aircraft-including-737-max-8-could-have-defective-wing-part-boeing-223745">Boeing</a> that makes the drone, also makes the RQ-21A Blackjack which is an optionally armed drone&nbsp;used by US&nbsp;Navy and Marine Corps.

The Trump administration has moved ahead with a surveillance drone sale to four US allies in the South China Sea region as acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Washington will no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia.

The Trump administration has moved ahead with a surveillance drone sale to four US allies in the South China Sea region as acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Washington will no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia. The drones would afford greater intelligence gathering capabilities potentially curbing Chinese activity in the region. Shanahan did not directly name China when making accusations of "actors" destabilising the region in a speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour. The Pentagon had announced on Friday it would sell 34 ScanEagle drones, made by Boeing Co. to the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam for a total of $47 million. China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese occupied islands. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims. The Pentagon had said on Friday's sales included spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools, training and technical services and work on the equipment was expected to be completed by March 2022. As many as 12 unarmed drones and equipment would go to Malaysia for about $19 million. Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country would buy eight drones, the Philippines eight, and Vietnam six. In 2018, US President Donald Trump's administration rolled out a long-awaited overhaul of US arms export policy aimed at expanding sales to allies, saying it would bolster the American defence industry and create jobs at home. That initiative eased rules for exporting some types of lethal as well as non-lethal US made drones to potentially dozens more allies and partners. There is no armed version of the ScanEagle, but Insitu, the division of Boeing that makes the drone, also makes the RQ-21A Blackjack which is an optionally armed drone used by US Navy and Marine Corps.

US to sell 34 surveillance drones to allies in South China Sea region

The United States` actions on Taiwan and the South China Sea are hardly conducive to maintaining stability in the region, a senior Chinese military official said on Saturday, responding to comments by acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-raises-tariffs-on-us-goods-amid-esclating-tensions-223347">China raises tariffs on US goods amid esclating tensions</a>

"He (Shanahan) has been expressing inaccurate views and repeating old tunes about the issues of Taiwan and the South China Sea," Shao Yuanming, a senior official of the People`s Liberation Army, told reporters after Shanahan`s speech.

"This is harming regional peace and stability."

Shao added that China would defend its sovereignty at any cost should anyone try to separate Taiwan from its territory. It views the self-ruled island as a wayward province and has not ruled out the use of force to return it to the fold.

"China will have to be reunified," Shao said. "If anybody wants to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will protect the country`s sovereignty at all costs."

China translates the Chinese word "tong yi" as "reunification", but it can also be translated as "unification", a term in English preferred by Taiwan independence supporters who say the Communist government has never ruled the island, so it cannot be "reunified".&nbsp;

Earlier, Shanahan told delegates at a defence forum in Singapore that the United States would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia, with stability in the region at threat on issues ranging from the South China Sea to Taiwan.

Shanahan did not directly name China when he spoke of "actors" destabilising the region, but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour. 
However, Shao responded by saying it was the United States that was destabilising the region with its recent actions.

In May, a US&nbsp;warship sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea, angering Beijing at a time of tension over trade between the world`s two biggest economies.

The United States` actions on Taiwan and the South China Sea are hardly conducive to maintaining stability in the region, a senior Chinese military official said on Saturday, responding to comments by acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

The United States` actions on Taiwan and the South China Sea are hardly conducive to maintaining stability in the region, a senior Chinese military official said on Saturday, responding to comments by acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan. Also read: China raises tariffs on US goods amid esclating tensions "He (Shanahan) has been expressing inaccurate views and repeating old tunes about the issues of Taiwan and the South China Sea," Shao Yuanming, a senior official of the People`s Liberation Army, told reporters after Shanahan`s speech. "This is harming regional peace and stability." Shao added that China would defend its sovereignty at any cost should anyone try to separate Taiwan from its territory. It views the self-ruled island as a wayward province and has not ruled out the use of force to return it to the fold. "China will have to be reunified," Shao said. "If anybody wants to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will protect the country`s sovereignty at all costs." China translates the Chinese word "tong yi" as "reunification", but it can also be translated as "unification", a term in English preferred by Taiwan independence supporters who say the Communist government has never ruled the island, so it cannot be "reunified". Earlier, Shanahan told delegates at a defence forum in Singapore that the United States would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia, with stability in the region at threat on issues ranging from the South China Sea to Taiwan. Shanahan did not directly name China when he spoke of "actors" destabilising the region, but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour. However, Shao responded by saying it was the United States that was destabilising the region with its recent actions. In May, a US warship sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea, angering Beijing at a time of tension over trade between the world`s two biggest economies.

China says US actions on Taiwan, South China Sea threaten stability

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan will meet China's defence minister at an Asia defence forum in Singapore, a senior US defence official said on Friday, at a time of strained relations between Beijing and Washington over trade and security.

Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in the past year, over an ongoing trade war and over the disputed South China Sea and US support for self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

"We're doing a pull aside (meeting) with the Chinese counterpart at Shangri-La," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe will deliver a speech on June 2 at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the first time since 2011 that a Chinese defence minister will be at the forum, having in recent years sent lower-level officials.

"We've got a relationship with China that contains elements of both competition and cooperation," the senior US&nbsp;defence official said.

Shanahan's predecessor Jim Mattis met Wei in Singapore last year.

Separately on Friday, the Pentagon said US and Chinese officials met in Washington earlier this week.

"The dialogue emphasized a constructive, results-oriented military relationship with a focus on maintaining open and clear communication, especially in times of crisis," a Pentagon statement said. The two sides discussed topics that included the South China Sea and North Korea.

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan will meet China's defence minister at an Asia defence forum in Singapore, a senior US defence official said on Friday, at a time of strained relations between Beijing and Washington over trade and security.

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan will meet China's defence minister at an Asia defence forum in Singapore, a senior US defence official said on Friday, at a time of strained relations between Beijing and Washington over trade and security. Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in the past year, over an ongoing trade war and over the disputed South China Sea and US support for self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own. "We're doing a pull aside (meeting) with the Chinese counterpart at Shangri-La," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe will deliver a speech on June 2 at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the first time since 2011 that a Chinese defence minister will be at the forum, having in recent years sent lower-level officials. "We've got a relationship with China that contains elements of both competition and cooperation," the senior US defence official said. Shanahan's predecessor Jim Mattis met Wei in Singapore last year. Separately on Friday, the Pentagon said US and Chinese officials met in Washington earlier this week. "The dialogue emphasized a constructive, results-oriented military relationship with a focus on maintaining open and clear communication, especially in times of crisis," a Pentagon statement said. The two sides discussed topics that included the South China Sea and North Korea.

Shanahan to meet Chinese counterpart in Singapore: US official

The US military said one of its warships sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a move likely to anger Beijing at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-go-too-far-in-damaging-moves-china-tells-us-219797">time of tense ties between the world's two biggest economies</a>.

The busy waterway is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and Taiwan.

China struck a more aggressive tone in its trade war with the United States on Friday. The tough talk capped a week that saw Beijing unveil fresh retaliatory tariffs.

The US destroyer Preble carried out the operation, a US military spokesman told Reuters.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-donald-trump-vows-to-strike-trade-deal-with-china-218837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Preble sailed within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Reef in order to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law," said Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the Seventh Fleet.

It was the second such US military operation in the South China Sea in the last month. On Wednesday, the chief of the US Navy said its freedom of navigation movements in the disputed South China Sea drew more attention than they deserved.

The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations.

The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate.

China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambasts the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands.

Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims in the region.

China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs.

China defends its construction as necessary for self-defence and says the United States is responsible for ratcheting up tension in the region by sending warships and military planes close to islands Beijing claims.

Last month, China's navy chief said freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other nations.

The US military said one of its warships sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a move likely to anger Beijing at a time of tense ties between the world's two biggest economies.

The US military said one of its warships sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a move likely to anger Beijing at a time of tense ties between the world's two biggest economies. The busy waterway is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and Taiwan. China struck a more aggressive tone in its trade war with the United States on Friday. The tough talk capped a week that saw Beijing unveil fresh retaliatory tariffs. The US destroyer Preble carried out the operation, a US military spokesman told Reuters. "Preble sailed within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Reef in order to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law," said Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the Seventh Fleet. It was the second such US military operation in the South China Sea in the last month. On Wednesday, the chief of the US Navy said its freedom of navigation movements in the disputed South China Sea drew more attention than they deserved. The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations. The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate. China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambasts the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims in the region. China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs. China defends its construction as necessary for self-defence and says the United States is responsible for ratcheting up tension in the region by sending warships and military planes close to islands Beijing claims. Last month, China's navy chief said freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other nations.

US warship sails in disputed South China Sea amid trade tensions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/after-witnessing-eventful-day-stock-market-close-at-record-high-sensex-surges-over-1400-points-220115">After witnessing eventful day, stock markets close at record high; Sensex surges over 1,400 points&nbsp;</a>

The domestic stock market on Monday closed at a historic high after witnessing an eventful day of rallying after exit polls predicted an easy win for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Lok Sabha 2019 polls.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-surgical-strike-happened-in-september-16-lt-general-ranbir-singh-220139">First surgical strike happened in September '16: Lt General Ranbir Singh</a>

Commander-in-chief of Indian Army's Northern Command, Lt General Ranbir Singh, on Monday confirmed that the Indian Army had undertaken a surgical strike in September 2016.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-immediately-stop-provocative-action-in-south-china-sea-china-220105">US should immediately stop provocative action in South China Sea: China</a>

As US military warships sailed near the disputed islands in the South China Sea, China hit back at the US asserting that it should "immediately stop provocative actions" as relations between the two nations continued to remain on the boil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-responds-to-android-ban-guarantees-security-support-for-smartphones-220101">Huawei responds to Android ban; guarantees security support for smartphones</a>

Huawei said on Monday it would continue to provide security updates and services for its smartphones and tablets after being barred from Google updates to its Android operating system.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-genocidal-taunts-will-not-end-iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-hits-back-220126">Trump's genocidal taunts will not end Iran: Foreign minister Javad Zarif hits back</a>

Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday said that the "genocidal taunts" of US President Donald Trump will not "end Iran".

"Iranians have stood tall for millennia while aggressors all gone. Economic terrorism and genocidal taunts won't 'end Iran'," Zarif wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

After witnessing eventful day, stock markets close at record high; Sensex surges over 1,400 points The domestic stock market on Monday closed at a historic high after witnessing an eventful day of rallying after exit polls predicted an easy win for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Lok Sabha 2019 polls.

After witnessing eventful day, stock markets close at record high; Sensex surges over 1,400 points The domestic stock market on Monday closed at a historic high after witnessing an eventful day of rallying after exit polls predicted an easy win for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Lok Sabha 2019 polls. First surgical strike happened in September '16: Lt General Ranbir Singh Commander-in-chief of Indian Army's Northern Command, Lt General Ranbir Singh, on Monday confirmed that the Indian Army had undertaken a surgical strike in September 2016. US should immediately stop provocative action in South China Sea: China As US military warships sailed near the disputed islands in the South China Sea, China hit back at the US asserting that it should "immediately stop provocative actions" as relations between the two nations continued to remain on the boil. Huawei responds to Android ban; guarantees security support for smartphones Huawei said on Monday it would continue to provide security updates and services for its smartphones and tablets after being barred from Google updates to its Android operating system. Trump's genocidal taunts will not end Iran: Foreign minister Javad Zarif hits back Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday said that the "genocidal taunts" of US President Donald Trump will not "end Iran". "Iranians have stood tall for millennia while aggressors all gone. Economic terrorism and genocidal taunts won't 'end Iran'," Zarif wrote on Twitter.

News brief: Big stories of the day

As US military warships sailed near the disputed islands in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-220018">the South China Sea</a>, China hit back at the US asserting that it should "immediately stop provocative actions" as relations between the two nations continued to remain on the boil.

"We strongly urge the United States to immediately stop such provocative actions so as not to undermine Sino-US relations and regional peace and stability," China's foreign ministry spokesman said,adding,"China will continue to do what it needs to protect its national sovereignty and security and uphold the peace and stability of the South China Sea."&nbsp;

A US warship had sailed across the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warships-preble-chung-hoon-sail-near-spratly-islands-in-south-china-sea-216283"> Scarborough Shoal claimed by China</a> in the South China Sea on Sunday amid heightened tensions in the area.&nbsp;The US&nbsp;destroyer Preble had carried out the operation.

A fortnight ago the US military had sent two destroyers - &nbsp;Preble and Chung Hoon - within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands.

China claims all the islands in the South China Sea, however, it is also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the warship had entered waters near the shoal without China's position and the Chinese navy had warned it to leave.

The United States is trying to disturb regional peace and stability by using the issue of freedom of navigation and flight, he added.

Earlier in the month, a US destroyer had conducted drills with a Japanese aircraft carrier along with two Indian naval ships and a Philippine patrol vessel in the waterways in the South China Sea.

Japan sent one of its two big aircraft carriers, the Izumo, while India deployed a destroyer, the INS Kolkata, and a tanker, the INS Shakti.

The US navy advocates freedom of navigation to freely move warships in the region, a move disputed by China. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea, including on the Spratlys.

As US military warships sailed near the disputed islands in the South China Sea, China hit back at the US asserting that it should "immediately stop provocative actions" as relations between the two nations continued to remain on the boil.

As US military warships sailed near the disputed islands in the South China Sea, China hit back at the US asserting that it should "immediately stop provocative actions" as relations between the two nations continued to remain on the boil. "We strongly urge the United States to immediately stop such provocative actions so as not to undermine Sino-US relations and regional peace and stability," China's foreign ministry spokesman said,adding,"China will continue to do what it needs to protect its national sovereignty and security and uphold the peace and stability of the South China Sea." A US warship had sailed across the Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday amid heightened tensions in the area. The US destroyer Preble had carried out the operation. A fortnight ago the US military had sent two destroyers - Preble and Chung Hoon - within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands. China claims all the islands in the South China Sea, however, it is also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the warship had entered waters near the shoal without China's position and the Chinese navy had warned it to leave. The United States is trying to disturb regional peace and stability by using the issue of freedom of navigation and flight, he added. Earlier in the month, a US destroyer had conducted drills with a Japanese aircraft carrier along with two Indian naval ships and a Philippine patrol vessel in the waterways in the South China Sea. Japan sent one of its two big aircraft carriers, the Izumo, while India deployed a destroyer, the INS Kolkata, and a tanker, the INS Shakti. The US navy advocates freedom of navigation to freely move warships in the region, a move disputed by China. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea, including on the Spratlys.

US should immediately stop provocative action in South China Sea: China

In fresh show of naval force in the contested South China Sea, a US guided missile destroyer conducted drills with a Japanese aircraft carrier, two Indian naval ships and a Philippine patrol vessel in the waterway claimed by China, the US Navy said on Thursday.

US, India, Japan, Philippine navies sail together in South China Sea

The US military said two of its warships sailed near islands claimed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-aircraft-carrier-bomber-task-force-to-iran-in-response-to-escalatory-indications-nsa-bolton-216239">China in the South China Sea</a> on Monday, a move that could anger Beijing at a time of tense relations between the world's two biggest economies.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-guided-missile-destroyers-sail-near-disputed-islands-in-south-china-sea-amid-tensions-with-china-196549"> South China Sea</a> is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and Taiwan.

President Donald Trump dramatically increased pressure on China to reach a trade deal by announcing on Sunday he would hike US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods this week and target hundreds of billions soon.

The US guided-missile destroyers Preble and Chung Hoon traveled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands, a US military spokesman said.

Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the Seventh Fleet, said that the "innocent passage" was "to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law."

The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including in areas claimed by allies, and that they are separate from political considerations.

The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate.

China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan have competing claims in the region.

China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs.

China defends its construction as necessary for self-defense and says it is the United States that is responsible for ratcheting up tensions in the region by sending warships and military planes close to islands Beijing claims.

Last month, China's navy chief said freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other countries.

The freedom of navigation operation comes weeks after a major naval parade marking 70 years since the founding of the Chinese navy. The United States had sent only a low level delegation to the Chinese navy anniversary events.

The US military said two of its warships sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Monday, a move that could anger Beijing at a time of tense relations between the world's two biggest economies.

The US military said two of its warships sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Monday, a move that could anger Beijing at a time of tense relations between the world's two biggest economies. The South China Sea is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and Taiwan. President Donald Trump dramatically increased pressure on China to reach a trade deal by announcing on Sunday he would hike US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods this week and target hundreds of billions soon. The US guided-missile destroyers Preble and Chung Hoon traveled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands, a US military spokesman said. Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the Seventh Fleet, said that the "innocent passage" was "to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law." The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including in areas claimed by allies, and that they are separate from political considerations. The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate. China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands. Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan have competing claims in the region. China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs. China defends its construction as necessary for self-defense and says it is the United States that is responsible for ratcheting up tensions in the region by sending warships and military planes close to islands Beijing claims. Last month, China's navy chief said freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other countries. The freedom of navigation operation comes weeks after a major naval parade marking 70 years since the founding of the Chinese navy. The United States had sent only a low level delegation to the Chinese navy anniversary events.

US warships Preble, Chung Hoon sail near Spratly Islands in South China Sea

A French warship passed through the strategic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warships-pass-through-taiwan-strait-amid-china-tensions-192610">Taiwan Strait&nbsp;this month</a> as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month.&nbsp;

The passage, which was confirmed by China.

"The (French) national navy crosses the Taiwan Strait&nbsp;about once a year, without any incident nor reaction," an aide to French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said after China confirmed lodging an official protest over what was seen as a rare passage by a warship from a European power.

Beijing views self-governed and democratic Taiwan as its territory awaiting reunification, and any passage through the Strait is seen as defying that claim.

The French operation comes amid increasing tensions between the United States and China. Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom of navigation patrols.

China said on Thursday it had lodged "stern representations" with France for what it called an "illegal" passage.

"China’s military sent navy ships in accordance with the law and the rules to identify the French ship and warn it to leave," defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said.

The French strait passage comes against the backdrop of increasingly regular passages by US&nbsp;warships through the strategic waterway. Last month, the United States sent Navy and Coast Guard ships through the Taiwan Strait.

The passages upset China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. Beijing has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island.

Chen Chung-chi, spokesman for Taiwan's defense ministry, told Reuters by phone the strait is part of busy international waters and it is "a necessity" for vessels from all countries to transit through it. He said Taiwan's defense ministry will continue to monitor movement of foreign vessels in the region.

Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms.

(Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

A French warship passed through the strategic Taiwan Strait this month as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month.

A French warship passed through the strategic Taiwan Strait this month as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month. The passage, which was confirmed by China. "The (French) national navy crosses the Taiwan Strait about once a year, without any incident nor reaction," an aide to French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said after China confirmed lodging an official protest over what was seen as a rare passage by a warship from a European power. Beijing views self-governed and democratic Taiwan as its territory awaiting reunification, and any passage through the Strait is seen as defying that claim. The French operation comes amid increasing tensions between the United States and China. Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom of navigation patrols. China said on Thursday it had lodged "stern representations" with France for what it called an "illegal" passage. "China’s military sent navy ships in accordance with the law and the rules to identify the French ship and warn it to leave," defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said. The French strait passage comes against the backdrop of increasingly regular passages by US warships through the strategic waterway. Last month, the United States sent Navy and Coast Guard ships through the Taiwan Strait. The passages upset China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. Beijing has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island. Chen Chung-chi, spokesman for Taiwan's defense ministry, told Reuters by phone the strait is part of busy international waters and it is "a necessity" for vessels from all countries to transit through it. He said Taiwan's defense ministry will continue to monitor movement of foreign vessels in the region. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

China protests as French warship passes through Taiwan Strait

China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its navy on Tuesday by showing off its growing fleet in a sea parade featuring a brand new guided-missile destroyer.

Under grey, foggy skies, Chinese President Xi Jinping stood on a warship to take the salute from 32 Chinese vessels, including submarines, and 39 planes off the eastern city of Qingdao.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-australian-warships-arrive-in-china-for-naval-parade-212329">In pics: Indian, Australian warships arrive in China for naval parade</a>

China also took the occasion to unveil the Nanchang, a 10,000-ton class guided-missile destroyer.

Ships from 13 other countries including Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and India also took part in the parade.

Vietnam and other countries in the region frequently complain about China's activities in the disputed South China Sea, where Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations.

Xi told foreign delegations attending the naval event that China would "unswervingly stay on the path of peaceful development," according to the official Xinhua news agency.

All countries should promote "proper" solutions to maritime disputes, Xi said.

Absent from the celebrations was the United States Navy, which had said it would not participate.&nbsp;

During similar celebrations a decade ago, the US sent missile destroyer the USS Fitzgerald, which joined an international fleet review.

China is racing to modernise its People's Liberation Army, with Xi calling for the country to have a "world-class" military by mid-century.

Its sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is a repurposed Soviet ship bought from Ukraine which went into service in 2012.&nbsp;

Another domestically-made carrier is still undergoing sea tests to add more firepower to the naval fleet.

China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its navy on Tuesday by showing off its growing fleet in a sea parade featuring a brand new guided-missile destroyer. Under grey, foggy skies, Chinese President Xi Jinping stood on a warship to take the salute from 32 Chinese vessels, including submarines, and 39 planes off the eastern city of Qingdao.

China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its navy on Tuesday by showing off its growing fleet in a sea parade featuring a brand new guided-missile destroyer. Under grey, foggy skies, Chinese President Xi Jinping stood on a warship to take the salute from 32 Chinese vessels, including submarines, and 39 planes off the eastern city of Qingdao. In pics: Indian, Australian warships arrive in China for naval parade China also took the occasion to unveil the Nanchang, a 10,000-ton class guided-missile destroyer. Ships from 13 other countries including Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and India also took part in the parade. Vietnam and other countries in the region frequently complain about China's activities in the disputed South China Sea, where Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations. Xi told foreign delegations attending the naval event that China would "unswervingly stay on the path of peaceful development," according to the official Xinhua news agency. All countries should promote "proper" solutions to maritime disputes, Xi said. Absent from the celebrations was the United States Navy, which had said it would not participate. During similar celebrations a decade ago, the US sent missile destroyer the USS Fitzgerald, which joined an international fleet review. China is racing to modernise its People's Liberation Army, with Xi calling for the country to have a "world-class" military by mid-century. Its sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is a repurposed Soviet ship bought from Ukraine which went into service in 2012. Another domestically-made carrier is still undergoing sea tests to add more firepower to the naval fleet.

Chinese navy shows off new warship in 70th anniversary parade

Indian, Australian warships arrive in China for naval parade

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned Beijing to back off from a disputed island in the South China Sea, warning of possible military action if China "touches" it amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/philippines-says-presence-of-chinese-vessels-in-disputed-waters-is-illegal-207859">rising tensions over the key waterway</a>.

Duterte, aiming to attract trade and investment from the Asian superpower, has mostly withheld his early criticism of Beijing's expansive claims to the sea -- a point of regional contention because trillions of dollars of goods pass through it.

But as the Philippine military warned this week that hundreds of Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels had "swarmed" the Manila-held Pag-asa island, also known as Thitu, the Philippine president spoke out late Thursday.

"I will not plead or beg, but I am just telling you that lay off the Pag-asa because I have soldiers there," Duterte said in speech to prosecutors.&nbsp;

"If you touch it, that's another story. Then I will tell my soldiers 'prepare for suicide missions'", he added.

Duterte has repeatedly said war with China would be futile and that the Philippines would lose and suffer heavily in the process.

His words came after his Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling the Chinese ships' presence an "illegal" violation of Philippine sovereignty.

China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have all staked claims to various islands and reefs as well as waterways in the sea, with rich petroleum reserves thought to sit deep beneath the waters.

In a major victory for Manila, an international maritime tribunal ruled early in Duterte's presidency in 2016 that China's claims to the area have no legal basis.&nbsp;

However, he has largely set aside that ruling and backed off on their once tense territorial dispute over the sea.

He has been criticised at home for taking too soft a stance on China and getting little of the billions of dollars in investment promised by Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

For its part, Beijing has downplayed the rising tension over Pag-asa, saying on Thursday that both sides had "exchanged views frankly, amicably and constructively" on the issue.

The United States, long-time Philippines ally and former colonial master, has moved to oppose any Chinese expansion in the sea.

For the first time, the US said in March that it would come to Manila's aid in case of an "armed attack" in the South China Sea.

The US navy has also forcefully asserted its right to freedom of navigation in the area, repeatedly sailing close to the man-made islands and drawing Chinese protests.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned Beijing to back off from a disputed island in the South China Sea, warning of possible military action if China "touches" it amid rising tensions over the key waterway.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned Beijing to back off from a disputed island in the South China Sea, warning of possible military action if China "touches" it amid rising tensions over the key waterway. Duterte, aiming to attract trade and investment from the Asian superpower, has mostly withheld his early criticism of Beijing's expansive claims to the sea -- a point of regional contention because trillions of dollars of goods pass through it. But as the Philippine military warned this week that hundreds of Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels had "swarmed" the Manila-held Pag-asa island, also known as Thitu, the Philippine president spoke out late Thursday. "I will not plead or beg, but I am just telling you that lay off the Pag-asa because I have soldiers there," Duterte said in speech to prosecutors. "If you touch it, that's another story. Then I will tell my soldiers 'prepare for suicide missions'", he added. Duterte has repeatedly said war with China would be futile and that the Philippines would lose and suffer heavily in the process. His words came after his Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling the Chinese ships' presence an "illegal" violation of Philippine sovereignty. China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have all staked claims to various islands and reefs as well as waterways in the sea, with rich petroleum reserves thought to sit deep beneath the waters. In a major victory for Manila, an international maritime tribunal ruled early in Duterte's presidency in 2016 that China's claims to the area have no legal basis. However, he has largely set aside that ruling and backed off on their once tense territorial dispute over the sea. He has been criticised at home for taking too soft a stance on China and getting little of the billions of dollars in investment promised by Chinese President Xi Jinping. For its part, Beijing has downplayed the rising tension over Pag-asa, saying on Thursday that both sides had "exchanged views frankly, amicably and constructively" on the issue. The United States, long-time Philippines ally and former colonial master, has moved to oppose any Chinese expansion in the sea. For the first time, the US said in March that it would come to Manila's aid in case of an "armed attack" in the South China Sea. The US navy has also forcefully asserted its right to freedom of navigation in the area, repeatedly sailing close to the man-made islands and drawing Chinese protests.

Philippines' Duterte warns China to back off disputed island

Many have framed the battle lines in the geopolitics of the emerging new world order as the 21st century’s Great Game. It’s a game that aims to shape the creation of a new Eurasia-centred world, built on the likely fusion of Europe and Asia into what former Portuguese Europe minister Bruno Macaes calls a “supercontinent.

The 21st century's Great Game pits world into two camps competing for influence

Two US warships sailed near islands claimed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-us-warship-in-south-china-sea-a-provocation-188818">China in the South China Sea </a>on Monday, a US official told Reuters, a move likely to anger Beijing at a time of tense relations between the world's two biggest economies.

Beijing and Washington are locked in a trade war and the two sides are trying to hammer out a deal ahead of a March 1 deadline when US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are scheduled to increase to 25 per cent from 10 per cent.

Escalating tensions between the United States and China have cost both countries billions of dollars and roiled global financial markets.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/naval-destroyer-sailed-through-south-china-sea-to-ensure-freedom-of-navigation-us-188742">two guided-missile destroyers</a> travelled within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands.

The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate.

China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands.

China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing’s militarisation of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs.

China defends its construction as necessary for self-defence and says it is the United States that is responsible for ratcheting up tensions in the region by sending warships and military planes close to islands Beijing claims.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan have competing claims in the region.

Fears have grown in recent months that the US-China trade dispute is just one element in a bilateral relationship that is fast cooling across the board, with top US administration officials sharply criticising Beijing for everything from human rights abuses to cyber espionage in the United States.

The two countries are also at odds over regional security, including Washington’s overtures to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own. 
&nbsp;

Two US warships sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Monday, a US official told Reuters, a move likely to anger Beijing at a time of tense relations between the world's two biggest economies.

Two US warships sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Monday, a US official told Reuters, a move likely to anger Beijing at a time of tense relations between the world's two biggest economies. Beijing and Washington are locked in a trade war and the two sides are trying to hammer out a deal ahead of a March 1 deadline when US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are scheduled to increase to 25 per cent from 10 per cent. Escalating tensions between the United States and China have cost both countries billions of dollars and roiled global financial markets. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two guided-missile destroyers travelled within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands. The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate. China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands. China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing’s militarisation of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs. China defends its construction as necessary for self-defence and says it is the United States that is responsible for ratcheting up tensions in the region by sending warships and military planes close to islands Beijing claims. Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan have competing claims in the region. Fears have grown in recent months that the US-China trade dispute is just one element in a bilateral relationship that is fast cooling across the board, with top US administration officials sharply criticising Beijing for everything from human rights abuses to cyber espionage in the United States. The two countries are also at odds over regional security, including Washington’s overtures to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

US guided missile destroyers sail near disputed islands in South China Sea amid tensions with China

The chief of US naval operations,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-eyes-taiwan-risk-as-chinas-military-capabilities-grow-190644"> Admiral John Richardson said today</a> that he had urged Chinese authorities to follow international rules during naval encounters at sea to ensure safety as tensions over China-US relations in the South China Sea continued.

Richardson added that sending <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-be-intimidated-south-china-sea-us-vp-pence-tell-china-169406">US aircraft carrier to Taiwan Strait</a> remained an option for the US navy.

"We don't really see any kind of limitation on whatever type of ship could pass through those waters," Admiral John Richardson told reporters in the Japanese capital, when asked if more advanced Chinese weapons posed too big a risk.

"We see the Taiwan Strait as another (stretch of) international waters, so that's why we do the transits."

China had earlier lodged a complaint with the United States after a US navy ship USS McCampbell, a guided-missile destroyer, had sailed close to a disputed island in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

The Trump administration had claimed that the naval destroyer had sailed in the South China Sea to challenge "excessive maritime claims" under the &nbsp;"freedom of navigation" option. The US destroyer had sailed through the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea which is claimed by China.&nbsp;

US officials had earlier urged China to stop "militarisation" of the South China Sea, a charge denied by Chinese authorities. US and Chinese officials had met earlier to sort out differences in approach to the freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific waters and the Taiwan issue.

Amid tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan on Wednesday had concluded live fire drills aimed at enhancing combat readiness ahead of the Lunar New Year to repel "enemy invasion".

Taiwan's air force, infantry and navy took part during the drill, fending off a make-believe attack by hostile forces.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a US government official had said the United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force.

The chief of US naval operations, Admiral John Richardson said today that he had urged Chinese authorities to follow international rules during naval encounters at sea to ensure safety as tensions over China-US relations in the South China Sea continued.

The chief of US naval operations, Admiral John Richardson said today that he had urged Chinese authorities to follow international rules during naval encounters at sea to ensure safety as tensions over China-US relations in the South China Sea continued. Richardson added that sending US aircraft carrier to Taiwan Strait remained an option for the US navy. "We don't really see any kind of limitation on whatever type of ship could pass through those waters," Admiral John Richardson told reporters in the Japanese capital, when asked if more advanced Chinese weapons posed too big a risk. "We see the Taiwan Strait as another (stretch of) international waters, so that's why we do the transits." China had earlier lodged a complaint with the United States after a US navy ship USS McCampbell, a guided-missile destroyer, had sailed close to a disputed island in the South China Sea. The Trump administration had claimed that the naval destroyer had sailed in the South China Sea to challenge "excessive maritime claims" under the "freedom of navigation" option. The US destroyer had sailed through the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea which is claimed by China. US officials had earlier urged China to stop "militarisation" of the South China Sea, a charge denied by Chinese authorities. US and Chinese officials had met earlier to sort out differences in approach to the freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific waters and the Taiwan issue. Amid tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan on Wednesday had concluded live fire drills aimed at enhancing combat readiness ahead of the Lunar New Year to repel "enemy invasion". Taiwan's air force, infantry and navy took part during the drill, fending off a make-believe attack by hostile forces. On Tuesday, a US government official had said the United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force.

China must follow international rules during naval encounters at sea: US

Taiwanese forces concluded two days of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/chinas-taiwan-conundrum-new-year-old-challenges-189496">drills simulating enemy invasion</a> and the safeguarding of the weapon systems, amid tensions with China.

The exercises came after a message from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-eyes-taiwan-risk-as-chinas-military-capabilities-grow-190644">Chinese President Xi Jinping to "Taiwanese compatriots"</a> in which he signalled a strong will to speed up "re-unification" with Taiwan and failed to rule out the use of force to achieve this goal.

Taipei said the drills were aimed at enhancing combat readiness ahead of the Lunar New Year and hoped to put the Taiwanese public at ease before the long holiday starting on Lunar New Year eve on February 4th.

"We are practicing wherever there could be war. We let our troops practice in different weather conditions and practice real-life situations over and over again in different places of warfare," the ministry of defence spokesman said, adding,"In this process, there was no brief or preparation, that is to say, by using this real-life approach, all troops can understand their roles and missions during war and steadily improve their abilities."

Taiwan's air force, infantry and and navy took part during the drill, fending off a make-believe attack by hostile forces. Helicopters, tanks and rocket launchers could be seen firing off rounds of live ammunition, while Mirage fighter jets had their engines tested and were taken for a spin by pilots. Taiwan relies on its fleet of fighter jets to respond to increasing manoeuvres by Chinese air force around the island.

"We are actively continuing the plan of having a self-sufficient national defence including developing domestic aircraft and submarines," the defence ministry spokesman informed.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a US government official had said the United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force.

Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is the island’s main source of arms. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taiwan more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010. 
&nbsp;

Taiwanese forces concluded two days of drills simulating enemy invasion and the safeguarding of the weapon systems, amid tensions with China. The exercises came after a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to "Taiwanese compatriots" in which he signalled a strong will to speed up "re-unification" with Taiwan and failed to rule out the use of force to achieve this goal.

Taiwanese forces concluded two days of drills simulating enemy invasion and the safeguarding of the weapon systems, amid tensions with China. The exercises came after a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to "Taiwanese compatriots" in which he signalled a strong will to speed up "re-unification" with Taiwan and failed to rule out the use of force to achieve this goal. Taipei said the drills were aimed at enhancing combat readiness ahead of the Lunar New Year and hoped to put the Taiwanese public at ease before the long holiday starting on Lunar New Year eve on February 4th. "We are practicing wherever there could be war. We let our troops practice in different weather conditions and practice real-life situations over and over again in different places of warfare," the ministry of defence spokesman said, adding,"In this process, there was no brief or preparation, that is to say, by using this real-life approach, all troops can understand their roles and missions during war and steadily improve their abilities." Taiwan's air force, infantry and and navy took part during the drill, fending off a make-believe attack by hostile forces. Helicopters, tanks and rocket launchers could be seen firing off rounds of live ammunition, while Mirage fighter jets had their engines tested and were taken for a spin by pilots. Taiwan relies on its fleet of fighter jets to respond to increasing manoeuvres by Chinese air force around the island. "We are actively continuing the plan of having a self-sufficient national defence including developing domestic aircraft and submarines," the defence ministry spokesman informed. On Tuesday, a US government official had said the United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is the island’s main source of arms. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taiwan more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010.

Watch: Amid tensions with China, Taiwan conducts live fire drills simulating 'enemy invasion'

China is on the cusp of fielding some of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/resolutely-oppose-one-country-two-systems-taiwan-president-tsai-on-xis-china-reunification-plan-187906">world's most advanced weapons systems</a> -- and in some cases already has surpassed its rivals, a Pentagon assessment released Tuesday found.

An unclassified report by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-us-warship-in-south-china-sea-a-provocation-188818">Defense Intelligence Agency says Beijing</a> has made enormous military strides in recent years, thanks partly to domestic laws forcing foreign partners to divulge technical secrets in exchange for access to China's vast market.

As a result of "acquiring technology by any means available," China now is at the leading edge on a range of technologies, including with its naval designs, with medium- and intermediate-range missiles, and with hypersonic weapons -- where missiles can fly at many times the speed of sound and dodge missile-defense systems.

"The result of this multifaceted approach to technology acquisition is a PLA (People's Liberation Army) on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world," states the report, entitled "China Military Power."

"In some areas, it already leads the world."

China's increasing military might means it has advanced capabilities in the air, at sea, in space and in cyberspace that will "enable China to impose its will in the region," the report notes.

A particular focus for Beijing has been the prospect of an eventual conflict with Taiwan, which China sees as part of its territory.

Beijing has said it will not hesitate to use force if Taipei formally declares independence, or in the case of external intervention -- including by the United States, the island's most powerful unofficial ally.

Speaking to Pentagon reporters, a senior defense intelligence official said he was worried China's military is now advanced enough that PLA generals could feel confident they could invade Taiwan.&nbsp;

"The biggest concern is that as a lot of these technologies mature... (China) will reach a point where internally within their decision-making they will decide that using military force for a regional conflict is something that is more imminent," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Taiwan is a self-ruled island and has its own currency, flag and government, but is not recognized as an independent state by the United Nations.

Still, the official noted, China has not fought in a war for 40 years and its massive military and joint command structure lacks experience in real-world conflict.

"It will take a while for (the PLA) to be able to work these (military) services together, to be able to work these joint theaters and to be able to deal with a large, complex operation," the official said.&nbsp;

The intelligence report said China is developing new medium- and long-range stealth bombers capable of striking regional and global targets.&nbsp;

Such planes will likely reach initial operational capability by about 2025, the report notes.&nbsp;

The official added that China keeps a lot of its military development secret by conducting research in underground complexes, away from the prying eyes of satellites.&nbsp;

China is on the cusp of fielding some of the world's most advanced weapons systems -- and in some cases already has surpassed its rivals, a Pentagon assessment released Tuesday found.

China is on the cusp of fielding some of the world's most advanced weapons systems -- and in some cases already has surpassed its rivals, a Pentagon assessment released Tuesday found. An unclassified report by the Defense Intelligence Agency says Beijing has made enormous military strides in recent years, thanks partly to domestic laws forcing foreign partners to divulge technical secrets in exchange for access to China's vast market. As a result of "acquiring technology by any means available," China now is at the leading edge on a range of technologies, including with its naval designs, with medium- and intermediate-range missiles, and with hypersonic weapons -- where missiles can fly at many times the speed of sound and dodge missile-defense systems. "The result of this multifaceted approach to technology acquisition is a PLA (People's Liberation Army) on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world," states the report, entitled "China Military Power." "In some areas, it already leads the world." China's increasing military might means it has advanced capabilities in the air, at sea, in space and in cyberspace that will "enable China to impose its will in the region," the report notes. A particular focus for Beijing has been the prospect of an eventual conflict with Taiwan, which China sees as part of its territory. Beijing has said it will not hesitate to use force if Taipei formally declares independence, or in the case of external intervention -- including by the United States, the island's most powerful unofficial ally. Speaking to Pentagon reporters, a senior defense intelligence official said he was worried China's military is now advanced enough that PLA generals could feel confident they could invade Taiwan. "The biggest concern is that as a lot of these technologies mature... (China) will reach a point where internally within their decision-making they will decide that using military force for a regional conflict is something that is more imminent," the official said on condition of anonymity. Taiwan is a self-ruled island and has its own currency, flag and government, but is not recognized as an independent state by the United Nations. Still, the official noted, China has not fought in a war for 40 years and its massive military and joint command structure lacks experience in real-world conflict. "It will take a while for (the PLA) to be able to work these (military) services together, to be able to work these joint theaters and to be able to deal with a large, complex operation," the official said. The intelligence report said China is developing new medium- and long-range stealth bombers capable of striking regional and global targets. Such planes will likely reach initial operational capability by about 2025, the report notes. The official added that China keeps a lot of its military development secret by conducting research in underground complexes, away from the prying eyes of satellites.

China already leads the world in some military technology: Pentagon report

Three hulking Chinese warships <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/ramayana-and-mahabharata-indias-two-oldest-and-most-durable-brand-ambassadors-188417">docked in Cambodia</a>&nbsp;Wednesday for a four-day visit, as Beijing parades its naval prowess alongside its staunch Southeast Asian ally.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/cambodia-diary-an-eye-opener-china-influence-188314">China is the largest investor in Cambodia</a>&nbsp;and has pumped billions into the economy while asking few questions about its abysmal rights record.

While doling out cash China has also sought high-profile military exchanges, fuelling speculation that it is building a naval base off the Cambodian coast, claims vehemently denied by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Several joint military exercises have also taken place while in June Beijing promised $100 million to modernise Cambodia's armed forces.

The three warships, the longest 180 metres (590 feet), stopped at Cambodia's Sihanoukville port for a visit to January 12, Cambodian defence ministry spokesman Chhum Socheat told AFP.

"The goal of the visit is to boost ties and military cooperation, especially between the navies from both countries," he said, dismissing suggestions that the display was about touting "Chinese influence".

He said the Chinese navy delegate would meet with Cambodian military commanders and Defence Minister Tea Banh during the visit.

Rumours that China has been building an ae base off Cambodia's southwest coast have been swirling for years but reached new levels after Hun Sen said US President Vice President Mike Pence sent him a letter about it in November.&nbsp;

The strongman leader, who has been in power for more than three decades, said Cambodia would not allow foreign military bases on its soil.

In return for its longstanding support, Cambodia has proved a reliable ally among the ASEAN Southeast Asian bloc regarding disputes with China over its activities in the South China Sea.

Beijing's claims in the waterway have angered the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia who all have competing for claims to its islands and potentially resource-rich waters.

China has also backed Cambodia on sensitive issues, including a controversial election in July held without the opposition.

The mutual support comes as US influence declines.

Cambodia accused the US of conspiring with an opposition leader to overthrow the government and suspended military exchanges with the country.&nbsp;

But while Chinese-bankrolled developments may have fanned growth they risk incubating resentment among some Cambodians who fear the country is increasingly in the pocket of the regional superpower. 
&nbsp;

Three hulking Chinese warships docked in Cambodia Wednesday for a four-day visit, as Beijing parades its naval prowess alongside its staunch Southeast Asian ally.

Three hulking Chinese warships docked in Cambodia Wednesday for a four-day visit, as Beijing parades its naval prowess alongside its staunch Southeast Asian ally. China is the largest investor in Cambodia and has pumped billions into the economy while asking few questions about its abysmal rights record. While doling out cash China has also sought high-profile military exchanges, fuelling speculation that it is building a naval base off the Cambodian coast, claims vehemently denied by Prime Minister Hun Sen. Several joint military exercises have also taken place while in June Beijing promised $100 million to modernise Cambodia's armed forces. The three warships, the longest 180 metres (590 feet), stopped at Cambodia's Sihanoukville port for a visit to January 12, Cambodian defence ministry spokesman Chhum Socheat told AFP. "The goal of the visit is to boost ties and military cooperation, especially between the navies from both countries," he said, dismissing suggestions that the display was about touting "Chinese influence". He said the Chinese navy delegate would meet with Cambodian military commanders and Defence Minister Tea Banh during the visit. Rumours that China has been building an ae base off Cambodia's southwest coast have been swirling for years but reached new levels after Hun Sen said US President Vice President Mike Pence sent him a letter about it in November. The strongman leader, who has been in power for more than three decades, said Cambodia would not allow foreign military bases on its soil. In return for its longstanding support, Cambodia has proved a reliable ally among the ASEAN Southeast Asian bloc regarding disputes with China over its activities in the South China Sea. Beijing's claims in the waterway have angered the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia who all have competing for claims to its islands and potentially resource-rich waters. China has also backed Cambodia on sensitive issues, including a controversial election in July held without the opposition. The mutual support comes as US influence declines. Cambodia accused the US of conspiring with an opposition leader to overthrow the government and suspended military exchanges with the country. But while Chinese-bankrolled developments may have fanned growth they risk incubating resentment among some Cambodians who fear the country is increasingly in the pocket of the regional superpower.

Three Chinese warships dock in Cambodia

The Trump administration said today that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-us-south-china-sea-freedom-navigation-operation-168987">a naval destroyer sailed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-us-south-china-sea-freedom-navigation-operation-168987">South</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-us-south-china-sea-freedom-navigation-operation-168987"> China Sea</a> to challenge what it claimed "excessive maritime claims".

China claims islands on the South China sea even though Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have repeatedly said it belongs to them.

The USS McCampbell carried out a "freedom of navigation" operation, sailing within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Island chain, "to challenge excessive maritime claims", Pacific Fleet spokeswoman Rachel McMarr said.

The destroyer sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea which is claimed by China.

The operation was not about any one country or to make a political statement, McMarr added.&nbsp;

US vice-president Mike Pence had said earlier that South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows

China had said last year that it was in talks on conducting a code of conduct doctrine with other nations in the disputed South China Sea which was agreed upon at the &nbsp;10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

China said the consultation and final agreement process would take three years.

The US had said it is against "militarisation of the South China Sea. The US had earlier sent a naval destroyer USS Decatur near the disputed islands, a move which was condemned by China.

China's foreign ministry has of claimed "irrefutable sovereignty" over the South China Sea islands and the waters around them. Three years ago the international court in The Hague had ruled that China does not have legal rights to several islands in the South China Sea.

The Chinese president Xi Jinping&nbsp;had rejected the international court's verdict bluntly declaring that the country wouldn't accept "any claim or action based on those awards". China's ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, had said the tribunal lacked "professional incompetence" and had "questionable integrity".

In September last year, the US had flown B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and the East China Sea which was described as "provocative" by the Chinese defence ministry.

The Trump administration said today that a naval destroyer sailed in South China Sea to challenge what it claimed "excessive maritime claims". China claims islands on the South China sea even though Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have repeatedly said it belongs to them.

The Trump administration said today that a naval destroyer sailed in South China Sea to challenge what it claimed "excessive maritime claims". China claims islands on the South China sea even though Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have repeatedly said it belongs to them. The USS McCampbell carried out a "freedom of navigation" operation, sailing within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Island chain, "to challenge excessive maritime claims", Pacific Fleet spokeswoman Rachel McMarr said. The destroyer sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea which is claimed by China. The operation was not about any one country or to make a political statement, McMarr added. US vice-president Mike Pence had said earlier that South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows China had said last year that it was in talks on conducting a code of conduct doctrine with other nations in the disputed South China Sea which was agreed upon at the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). China said the consultation and final agreement process would take three years. The US had said it is against "militarisation of the South China Sea. The US had earlier sent a naval destroyer USS Decatur near the disputed islands, a move which was condemned by China. China's foreign ministry has of claimed "irrefutable sovereignty" over the South China Sea islands and the waters around them. Three years ago the international court in The Hague had ruled that China does not have legal rights to several islands in the South China Sea. The Chinese president Xi Jinping had rejected the international court's verdict bluntly declaring that the country wouldn't accept "any claim or action based on those awards". China's ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, had said the tribunal lacked "professional incompetence" and had "questionable integrity". In September last year, the US had flown B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and the East China Sea which was described as "provocative" by the Chinese defence ministry.

Naval destroyer sailed through South China Sea to ensure freedom of navigation: US

China has lodged "stern representations" with the United States over a US navy vessel sailing near disputed islands in the South China Sea, its foreign ministry said on Monday (January 7) as US officials joined talks in Beijing during a truce in a bitter trade war.

Pacific Fleet spokeswoman Rachel McMarr said in an emailed statement that the USS McCampbell, a guided-missile destroyer, carried out a "freedom of navigation" operation, sailing within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Island chain, "to challenge excessive maritime claims".&nbsp;

China claims the islands, and called the move a "provocation".

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-calls-on-army-to-be-battle-ready-188367">President Xi calls on Chinese Army to be battle-ready</a>

The statement came as trade talks between China and the United States were under way in Beijing, the first round of face-to-face discussions since both sides agreed to a 90-day truce in a trade war that has roiled international markets. Asked about the timing of the operation during trade talks, Lu said resolving issues would benefit the two countries and the world.

China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies for freedom of navigation naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands.

China has lodged "stern representations" with the United States over a US navy vessel sailing near disputed islands in the South China Sea, its foreign ministry said on Monday (January 7) as US officials joined talks in Beijing during a truce in a bitter trade war.

China has lodged "stern representations" with the United States over a US navy vessel sailing near disputed islands in the South China Sea, its foreign ministry said on Monday (January 7) as US officials joined talks in Beijing during a truce in a bitter trade war. Pacific Fleet spokeswoman Rachel McMarr said in an emailed statement that the USS McCampbell, a guided-missile destroyer, carried out a "freedom of navigation" operation, sailing within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Island chain, "to challenge excessive maritime claims". China claims the islands, and called the move a "provocation". Also read: President Xi calls on Chinese Army to be battle-ready The statement came as trade talks between China and the United States were under way in Beijing, the first round of face-to-face discussions since both sides agreed to a 90-day truce in a trade war that has roiled international markets. Asked about the timing of the operation during trade talks, Lu said resolving issues would benefit the two countries and the world. China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies for freedom of navigation naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands.

China says US warship in South China Sea is a 'provocation'

China's armed forces must strengthen their sense of urgency and do everything they can to prepare for battle, President Xi Jinping told a meeting of top brass on Friday.

China is keen to beef up its armed forces amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea and escalating tension with the United States over issues ranging from trade to the status of Taiwan.

The official Xinhua news agency said Xi told a meeting of the top military authority that China faced increasing risks and challenges, and the armed forces must work to secure its security and development needs.

Xi, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, said the armed forces must devise strategies for the new era and take on responsibilities for preparing and waging war.

"The world is facing a period of major changes never seen in a century, and China is still in an important period of strategic opportunity for development," he was quoted as saying.

He said the armed forces needed to be able to respond quickly to emergencies, needed to upgrade their joint operations capabilities and nurture new types of combat forces.

Xi's comments followed his remarks on Wednesday that China still reserved the right to use force to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan and prevent the island's independence.

Xi's Taiwan speech came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act into law, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the island's security.

China's armed forces must strengthen their sense of urgency and do everything they can to prepare for battle, President Xi Jinping told a meeting of top brass on Friday.

China's armed forces must strengthen their sense of urgency and do everything they can to prepare for battle, President Xi Jinping told a meeting of top brass on Friday. China is keen to beef up its armed forces amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea and escalating tension with the United States over issues ranging from trade to the status of Taiwan. The official Xinhua news agency said Xi told a meeting of the top military authority that China faced increasing risks and challenges, and the armed forces must work to secure its security and development needs. Xi, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, said the armed forces must devise strategies for the new era and take on responsibilities for preparing and waging war. "The world is facing a period of major changes never seen in a century, and China is still in an important period of strategic opportunity for development," he was quoted as saying. He said the armed forces needed to be able to respond quickly to emergencies, needed to upgrade their joint operations capabilities and nurture new types of combat forces. Xi's comments followed his remarks on Wednesday that China still reserved the right to use force to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan and prevent the island's independence. Xi's Taiwan speech came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act into law, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the island's security.

President Xi Jinping calls on Chinese Army to be battle-ready

China has astounded the world with the speed and scale of its creation of artificial islands and military infrastructure in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

The first Chinese dredger initiated land reclamation in December 2013. Five years later, China has completed building its manmade islands and is now steadily ramping up its military assets in the South China Sea.

Even after an international arbitral tribunal invalidated its claims in the South China Sea through a ruling in 2016, China continued with the frenzied expansion of its frontiers. Yet, it has incurred no international costs for pushing its borders far out into international waters.

Today, China has consolidated its hold in a strategically crucial body of water through which $5.3 trillion in global trade flows every year. It has set up an interconnected array of radar, electronic-attack facilities, missile batteries and airfields there.

And by turning its manmade islands into military bases, it has virtually established permanent aircraft carriers, whose role extends to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific.&nbsp;

The South China Sea, in fact, highlights that Beijing’s favoured frontier strategy is pivoted on “salami slicing”. This involves — as witnessed in the Himalayas since the 1950s — a steady progression of small actions, none of which serves as a casus belli by itself, yet which over time lead cumulatively to a strategic transformation in China’s favour.

And by camouflaging offence as defence, China presents a targeted state with a Hobson’s choice: endure the territorial loss or face a dangerous and costly war with great power.

As other Asian nations are discovering, including India in the Himalayas and Japan in the East China Sea, the China challenge centres on Beijing’s lack of respect for existing frontier lines. China is still working to redraw political boundaries, almost 70 years after communists seized power there and began expanding the frontiers.

China clearly has been emboldened by America’s muted response to its expansionism. The US has focused its concern merely on safeguarding freedom of navigation through the South China Sea, not on ratcheting up pressure on China to stop its territorial revisionism.

In fact, the US has refused to take sides in the territorial disputes between China and the other claimant-states in the South China Sea. The US has similarly stayed neutral on disputes elsewhere between China and its neighbours, including in the East China Sea and the Himalayas.

For example, President Donald Trump’s administration did not issue a single statement in India’s support, but stayed neutral during the 73-day military standoff between Indian and Chinese forces on the remote Himalayan plateau of Doklam in mid-2017.&nbsp;

The Trump administration also stayed silent when Chinese military threats forced Vietnam in March 2018 to halt oil drilling within its own exclusive economic zone.

To be sure, the Trump-led US has stepped up the so-called freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS, in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

However, while the US has yet to provide strategic heft to its much-publicized strategy to ensure a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region, China has embarked on robust initiatives, such as the twin Silk Road projects, with the aim of changing the regional geopolitical map.&nbsp;

ASEAN disunity has also aided Beijing’s aggression. The South China Sea has emerged as ASEAN’s Achilles heel. ASEAN’s reluctance to take a unified stance may have delighted Beijing — its largest trade partner — yet, by conveying weakness, it allows China to do as it pleases.

China’s strategic aim in the South China Sea is to legitimise its control over this critical corridor. Through various actions, China is etching a lasting presence in the claimed areas. For example, to create an administrative base, including setting up a local civilian government in the South China Sea, Beijing has established “Sansha City” on Woody Island. Woody Island was in the news recently when China, for the first time, landed the nuclear-capable H-6K heavy bomber aircraft there.

There is a distinct possibility that, like it did in the Paracel Islands in 1996, China might declare “straight baselines” in the Spratly Islands. Such baselines, connecting the outermost points of the island chain, would seek to turn the sea within, including features controlled by other nations, into China’s “internal waters”.

Against this background, the South China Sea has emerged as the symbolic centre of the international maritime challenges of the 21st century.&nbsp;

The developments in the South China Sea — the world’s main maritime hotspot — hold the potential of upending the current liberal world order by permitting brute power to trump rules.

For India, the South China Sea, which connects the Indian and Pacific oceans, is of central importance. About 60 per cent of India’s seaborne trade passes through the Strait of Malacca, the link between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. China’s expansionism in the South China Sea directly impinges on India’s vital interests.

In fact, China’s establishment of a naval hub in Djibouti — its first overseas military base — and its increasing submarine forays into the Indian Ocean draw strength from its aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

Given the South China Sea’s centrality to the wider geopolitics, balance of power and maritime order, like-minded states must work closely together to shape developments there, including ensuring that aggressive unilateralism is no longer cost-free. Failure to do that will create a systemic risk to Indo-Pacific stability and the world order. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-china-and-the-critical-corridor-2700381">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China has astounded the world with the speed and scale of its creation of artificial islands and military infrastructure in the South China Sea. The first Chinese dredger initiated land reclamation in December 2013.

China has astounded the world with the speed and scale of its creation of artificial islands and military infrastructure in the South China Sea. The first Chinese dredger initiated land reclamation in December 2013. Five years later, China has completed building its manmade islands and is now steadily ramping up its military assets in the South China Sea. Even after an international arbitral tribunal invalidated its claims in the South China Sea through a ruling in 2016, China continued with the frenzied expansion of its frontiers. Yet, it has incurred no international costs for pushing its borders far out into international waters. Today, China has consolidated its hold in a strategically crucial body of water through which $5.3 trillion in global trade flows every year. It has set up an interconnected array of radar, electronic-attack facilities, missile batteries and airfields there. And by turning its manmade islands into military bases, it has virtually established permanent aircraft carriers, whose role extends to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. The South China Sea, in fact, highlights that Beijing’s favoured frontier strategy is pivoted on “salami slicing”. This involves — as witnessed in the Himalayas since the 1950s — a steady progression of small actions, none of which serves as a casus belli by itself, yet which over time lead cumulatively to a strategic transformation in China’s favour. And by camouflaging offence as defence, China presents a targeted state with a Hobson’s choice: endure the territorial loss or face a dangerous and costly war with great power. As other Asian nations are discovering, including India in the Himalayas and Japan in the East China Sea, the China challenge centres on Beijing’s lack of respect for existing frontier lines. China is still working to redraw political boundaries, almost 70 years after communists seized power there and began expanding the frontiers. China clearly has been emboldened by America’s muted response to its expansionism. The US has focused its concern merely on safeguarding freedom of navigation through the South China Sea, not on ratcheting up pressure on China to stop its territorial revisionism. In fact, the US has refused to take sides in the territorial disputes between China and the other claimant-states in the South China Sea. The US has similarly stayed neutral on disputes elsewhere between China and its neighbours, including in the East China Sea and the Himalayas. For example, President Donald Trump’s administration did not issue a single statement in India’s support, but stayed neutral during the 73-day military standoff between Indian and Chinese forces on the remote Himalayan plateau of Doklam in mid-2017. The Trump administration also stayed silent when Chinese military threats forced Vietnam in March 2018 to halt oil drilling within its own exclusive economic zone. To be sure, the Trump-led US has stepped up the so-called freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS, in the South China Sea. However, while the US has yet to provide strategic heft to its much-publicized strategy to ensure a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region, China has embarked on robust initiatives, such as the twin Silk Road projects, with the aim of changing the regional geopolitical map. ASEAN disunity has also aided Beijing’s aggression. The South China Sea has emerged as ASEAN’s Achilles heel. ASEAN’s reluctance to take a unified stance may have delighted Beijing — its largest trade partner — yet, by conveying weakness, it allows China to do as it pleases. China’s strategic aim in the South China Sea is to legitimise its control over this critical corridor. Through various actions, China is etching a lasting presence in the claimed areas. For example, to create an administrative base, including setting up a local civilian government in the South China Sea, Beijing has established “Sansha City” on Woody Island. Woody Island was in the news recently when China, for the first time, landed the nuclear-capable H-6K heavy bomber aircraft there. There is a distinct possibility that, like it did in the Paracel Islands in 1996, China might declare “straight baselines” in the Spratly Islands. Such baselines, connecting the outermost points of the island chain, would seek to turn the sea within, including features controlled by other nations, into China’s “internal waters”. Against this background, the South China Sea has emerged as the symbolic centre of the international maritime challenges of the 21st century. The developments in the South China Sea — the world’s main maritime hotspot — hold the potential of upending the current liberal world order by permitting brute power to trump rules. For India, the South China Sea, which connects the Indian and Pacific oceans, is of central importance. About 60 per cent of India’s seaborne trade passes through the Strait of Malacca, the link between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. China’s expansionism in the South China Sea directly impinges on India’s vital interests. In fact, China’s establishment of a naval hub in Djibouti — its first overseas military base — and its increasing submarine forays into the Indian Ocean draw strength from its aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Given the South China Sea’s centrality to the wider geopolitics, balance of power and maritime order, like-minded states must work closely together to shape developments there, including ensuring that aggressive unilateralism is no longer cost-free. Failure to do that will create a systemic risk to Indo-Pacific stability and the world order. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China’s expansionism in South China Sea impinges on India’s interests

Just as China has changed the status quo in the South China Sea through an island-building strategy, it is working to re-engineer cross-border flows of international rivers that originate in Tibet, which Beijing annexed in 1951.

No country will be more affected by China's dam frenzy than India because of one telling statistic: out of the 718 billion cubic metres of surface water that flows out of Chinese-held territory yearly, 347 billion cubic meters (or 48.3 per cent of the total) runs directly into India. Several major Indian rivers originate in Tibet, including the Brahmaputra, the Kosi, the Sutlej and the Indus.

China already boasts more large dams than the rest of the world put together. More importantly, it has emerged as the key obstacle to building institutionalised collaboration on shared water resources in Asia.

In contrast to the bilateral water treaties between many of its neighbours, China rejects the concept of a water-sharing arrangement or joint, rules-based management of common resources.

India has water-sharing treaties with both the countries located downstream to it: Pakistan and Bangladesh. These treaties govern the Indus and the Ganges.

By contrast, China, despite its unrivalled international status as the source of river flows to more than a dozen countries, stands out for not having a single water-sharing arrangement with any neighbour.

India's treaties with Pakistan and Bangladesh have actually set new principles in international water law. The 1996 Ganges treaty — which coincided with the 25th anniversary of Bangladesh's Indian-assisted independence — set a new standard by guaranteeing delivery of specific water quantities in the critical dry season.

The Indus treaty stands out as the world's most generous water pact, in terms of both the sharing ratio (80.52 per cent of the aggregate water flows in the six-river Indus system are reserved for Pakistan) and the total volume of basin waters for the downstream state (Pakistan gets 90 times greater volume of water than Mexico's share under a 1944 pact with the US).

China, in rejecting the 1997 UN convention that lays down rules on shared water resources, contended that an upstream power has the right to assert absolute territorial sovereignty over the waters on its side of the international boundary — or the right to divert as much water as it wishes for its needs, irrespective of the effects on a downriver state.

Today, by building mega-dams and reservoirs in its borderlands, China is working to divert the flows of major rivers that are the lifeline of lower riparian states.

Since the last decade, China's major dam building has moved from dam-saturated internal rivers to international rivers located in ethnic-minority homelands like Tibet.

On the Brahmaputra, China is racing to complete several additional dams located in close proximity to each other. This cascade of dams is likely to affect the quality and quantity of downstream flows into India and Bangladesh.

Only five rivers in the world carry more water than the Brahmaputra and only one — mainland China's Yellow River — carries more silt. The Brahmaputra is the world's highest-altitude river. It represents a unique fluvial ecosystem largely due to the heavy load of high-quality nutrient-rich silt it carries from forbidding Himalayan heights.

The Brahmaputra's annual flooding cycle helps to re-fertilize overworked soils in India's Assam plains and large parts of Bangladesh, where the river is the biggest source of water supply.

The silt-movement impediment by China's upstream dam projects constitutes a bigger threat to the biophysical vitality of the river and to the soil fertility of downstream plains than even the likely diminution of cross-border flows.

China's centralised, mega-projects-driven approach to water resources is the antithesis of the policy in India, where water is a state (not federal) subject under the Constitution and where anti-dam non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are powerful. India's Narmada Dam project, which remains incomplete decades after its construction began, symbolises the power of NGOs.

The largest dam India has built since independence — the 2,000-megawatt Tehri Dam on River Bhagirathi — pales in comparison to China's giant projects, such as the 22,500-megawatt Three Gorges Dam and the new mega-dams on the Mekong like Xiaowan, which dwarfs Paris's Eiffel Tower in height, and Nuozhadu, which boasts of a 190-square-km reservoir.

China's population is just marginally larger than India's, but its internally renewable water resources (2,813 billion cubic meters per year) are almost twice as large as India's. In aggregate water availability, including external inflows (which are sizeable in India's case), China boasts virtually 50 per cent larger water resources than India.

India's surface-water storage capacity — an important measure of any nation's ability to deal with drought or seasonal imbalances in water availability — is one of the world's lowest: Amounting to 200 cubic metres per head per year, it is more than 11 times lower than China's. The 2030 Water Resources Group, an international unit, has warned that India is likely to face a 50 per cent deficit between water demand and supply by 2030.

In the coming years, China, by ramping up construction of dams on trans-Himalayan rivers, could fashion water into a political weapon against India. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-dragon-s-water-weapon-against-india-2694354">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Just as China has changed the status quo in the South China Sea through an island-building strategy, it is working to re-engineer cross-border flows of international rivers that originate in Tibet, which Beijing annexed in 1951.

Just as China has changed the status quo in the South China Sea through an island-building strategy, it is working to re-engineer cross-border flows of international rivers that originate in Tibet, which Beijing annexed in 1951. No country will be more affected by China's dam frenzy than India because of one telling statistic: out of the 718 billion cubic metres of surface water that flows out of Chinese-held territory yearly, 347 billion cubic meters (or 48.3 per cent of the total) runs directly into India. Several major Indian rivers originate in Tibet, including the Brahmaputra, the Kosi, the Sutlej and the Indus. China already boasts more large dams than the rest of the world put together. More importantly, it has emerged as the key obstacle to building institutionalised collaboration on shared water resources in Asia. In contrast to the bilateral water treaties between many of its neighbours, China rejects the concept of a water-sharing arrangement or joint, rules-based management of common resources. India has water-sharing treaties with both the countries located downstream to it: Pakistan and Bangladesh. These treaties govern the Indus and the Ganges. By contrast, China, despite its unrivalled international status as the source of river flows to more than a dozen countries, stands out for not having a single water-sharing arrangement with any neighbour. India's treaties with Pakistan and Bangladesh have actually set new principles in international water law. The 1996 Ganges treaty — which coincided with the 25th anniversary of Bangladesh's Indian-assisted independence — set a new standard by guaranteeing delivery of specific water quantities in the critical dry season. The Indus treaty stands out as the world's most generous water pact, in terms of both the sharing ratio (80.52 per cent of the aggregate water flows in the six-river Indus system are reserved for Pakistan) and the total volume of basin waters for the downstream state (Pakistan gets 90 times greater volume of water than Mexico's share under a 1944 pact with the US). China, in rejecting the 1997 UN convention that lays down rules on shared water resources, contended that an upstream power has the right to assert absolute territorial sovereignty over the waters on its side of the international boundary — or the right to divert as much water as it wishes for its needs, irrespective of the effects on a downriver state. Today, by building mega-dams and reservoirs in its borderlands, China is working to divert the flows of major rivers that are the lifeline of lower riparian states. Since the last decade, China's major dam building has moved from dam-saturated internal rivers to international rivers located in ethnic-minority homelands like Tibet. On the Brahmaputra, China is racing to complete several additional dams located in close proximity to each other. This cascade of dams is likely to affect the quality and quantity of downstream flows into India and Bangladesh. Only five rivers in the world carry more water than the Brahmaputra and only one — mainland China's Yellow River — carries more silt. The Brahmaputra is the world's highest-altitude river. It represents a unique fluvial ecosystem largely due to the heavy load of high-quality nutrient-rich silt it carries from forbidding Himalayan heights. The Brahmaputra's annual flooding cycle helps to re-fertilize overworked soils in India's Assam plains and large parts of Bangladesh, where the river is the biggest source of water supply. The silt-movement impediment by China's upstream dam projects constitutes a bigger threat to the biophysical vitality of the river and to the soil fertility of downstream plains than even the likely diminution of cross-border flows. China's centralised, mega-projects-driven approach to water resources is the antithesis of the policy in India, where water is a state (not federal) subject under the Constitution and where anti-dam non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are powerful. India's Narmada Dam project, which remains incomplete decades after its construction began, symbolises the power of NGOs. The largest dam India has built since independence — the 2,000-megawatt Tehri Dam on River Bhagirathi — pales in comparison to China's giant projects, such as the 22,500-megawatt Three Gorges Dam and the new mega-dams on the Mekong like Xiaowan, which dwarfs Paris's Eiffel Tower in height, and Nuozhadu, which boasts of a 190-square-km reservoir. China's population is just marginally larger than India's, but its internally renewable water resources (2,813 billion cubic meters per year) are almost twice as large as India's. In aggregate water availability, including external inflows (which are sizeable in India's case), China boasts virtually 50 per cent larger water resources than India. India's surface-water storage capacity — an important measure of any nation's ability to deal with drought or seasonal imbalances in water availability — is one of the world's lowest: Amounting to 200 cubic metres per head per year, it is more than 11 times lower than China's. The 2030 Water Resources Group, an international unit, has warned that India is likely to face a 50 per cent deficit between water demand and supply by 2030. In the coming years, China, by ramping up construction of dams on trans-Himalayan rivers, could fashion water into a political weapon against India. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Dragon's water weapon against India

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Calls for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to be held accountable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi are a "red line", Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-building-new-structure-on-bombay-reef-in-south-china-sea-us-think-tank-178674">China building </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-building-new-structure-on-bombay-reef-in-south-china-sea-us-think-tank-178674">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-building-new-structure-on-bombay-reef-in-south-china-sea-us-think-tank-178674"> structure on Bombay Reef in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-building-new-structure-on-bombay-reef-in-south-china-sea-us-think-tank-178674">South</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-building-new-structure-on-bombay-reef-in-south-china-sea-us-think-tank-178674"> China Sea: US think tank</a>

China has installed a new platform on a remote part of the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea which could be used for military purposes, according to recent satellite images reviewed by a US think tank.

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President Donald Trump entered an extraordinary row Wednesday with the chief justice of the Supreme Court, claiming "shocking" bias against his policies in parts of the judiciary.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-says-some-customer-email-addresses-exposed-178676">Amazon says some customer email addresses exposed</a>

The e-commerce giant, Amazon on Wednesday said that the number of its customers' names and email address has been accidentally exposed due to a glitch on their site.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-thanks-saudi-arabia-for-lower-oil-prices-178671">President Donald Trump thanks Saudi Arabia for lower oil prices&nbsp;</a>

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday ignored criticism that he gave Saudi Arabia a free pass on the murder of a dissident journalist, instead praising the Islamic kingdom for keeping oil prices low.

&nbsp;

Crown prince a 'red line' in Khashoggi murder probe: Saudi foreign minister Calls for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to be held accountable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi are a "red line", Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Wednesday.

Crown prince a 'red line' in Khashoggi murder probe: Saudi foreign minister Calls for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to be held accountable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi are a "red line", Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Wednesday. China building new structure on Bombay Reef in South China Sea: US think tank China has installed a new platform on a remote part of the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea which could be used for military purposes, according to recent satellite images reviewed by a US think tank. 'You do indeed have Obama judges', Donald Trump hits back at US Supreme Court Justice President Donald Trump entered an extraordinary row Wednesday with the chief justice of the Supreme Court, claiming "shocking" bias against his policies in parts of the judiciary. Amazon says some customer email addresses exposed The e-commerce giant, Amazon on Wednesday said that the number of its customers' names and email address has been accidentally exposed due to a glitch on their site. President Donald Trump thanks Saudi Arabia for lower oil prices US President Donald Trump on Wednesday ignored criticism that he gave Saudi Arabia a free pass on the murder of a dissident journalist, instead praising the Islamic kingdom for keeping oil prices low.

China has installed a new platform on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-doesnt-belong-to-any-one-nation-pence-177640">remote part of the Paracel Islands</a> in the disputed South China Sea which could be used for military purposes, according to recent satellite images reviewed by a US think tank.

The strategic waterway is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-presses-china-to-halt-militarization-of-south-china-sea-176537">claimed almost in its entirety by China</a>, whose continued building of military and other installations on artificial islands and reefs there has unnerved the region and angered Washington.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies said the images showed a “modest new structure” on Bombay Reef, topped by a radome and solar panels.

“The development is interesting given Bombay Reef’s strategic location, and the possibility that the structure’s rapid deployment could be repeated in other parts of the South China Sea,” the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

The purpose of the platform and radome was unclear, but it could be for military use, it said.

“The reef is directly adjacent to the major shipping lanes that run between the Paracels and the Spratly Islands to the south, making it an attractive location for a sensor array to extend Chinese radar or signals intelligence collection over that important sea lane,” the group said.

China’s defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China’s sovereignty over the Paracel Islands was not in dispute, and there is nothing wrong with China carrying out construction work on its own territory.

“As for the specific situation you mention, I have no understanding of it,” Geng told a daily news briefing.

Vietnam also claims the Paracels. Vietnam’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Facilities on the reefs and islands of the South China Sea should be more civilian and less military,” the paper wrote.

That means there should be more focus on building lighthouses, civilian airports, maritime search and rescue, scientific research and weather forecasting, it added.

“Just as the Chinese government has repeatedly stressed, after the completion of the island facilities, they will actively provide relevant public security products and services to regional countries,” the paper said.

This will help the international community with things like counter-terror and anti-piracy operations, to jointly safeguard peace and security in the South China Sea, it added.

China has said some civilian facilities on the islands are intended for use by others in the region, but the government has given few details about how that may work in practice.

The islands China occupies in the South China Sea are off-limits to foreigners, with access under the effective control of the People’s Liberation Army(PLA) despite them technically being administratively part of China’s southern Hainan province.

Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei also have competing claims in the South China Sea.

China has frequently lambasted the United States and its allies for freedom of navigation naval operations near to Chinese-occupied islands.

The United States earlier this month again urged China to halt militarisation of the South China Sea.

China said it had the right to build “necessary defence facilities” on what it considers its own territory and urged Washington to stop sending warships and military planes close to the islands that Beijing claims.

China has installed a new platform on a remote part of the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea which could be used for military purposes, according to recent satellite images reviewed by a US think tank.

China has installed a new platform on a remote part of the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea which could be used for military purposes, according to recent satellite images reviewed by a US think tank. The strategic waterway is claimed almost in its entirety by China, whose continued building of military and other installations on artificial islands and reefs there has unnerved the region and angered Washington. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies said the images showed a “modest new structure” on Bombay Reef, topped by a radome and solar panels. “The development is interesting given Bombay Reef’s strategic location, and the possibility that the structure’s rapid deployment could be repeated in other parts of the South China Sea,” the group said in a statement on Tuesday. The purpose of the platform and radome was unclear, but it could be for military use, it said. “The reef is directly adjacent to the major shipping lanes that run between the Paracels and the Spratly Islands to the south, making it an attractive location for a sensor array to extend Chinese radar or signals intelligence collection over that important sea lane,” the group said. China’s defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China’s sovereignty over the Paracel Islands was not in dispute, and there is nothing wrong with China carrying out construction work on its own territory. “As for the specific situation you mention, I have no understanding of it,” Geng told a daily news briefing. Vietnam also claims the Paracels. Vietnam’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “Facilities on the reefs and islands of the South China Sea should be more civilian and less military,” the paper wrote. That means there should be more focus on building lighthouses, civilian airports, maritime search and rescue, scientific research and weather forecasting, it added. “Just as the Chinese government has repeatedly stressed, after the completion of the island facilities, they will actively provide relevant public security products and services to regional countries,” the paper said. This will help the international community with things like counter-terror and anti-piracy operations, to jointly safeguard peace and security in the South China Sea, it added. China has said some civilian facilities on the islands are intended for use by others in the region, but the government has given few details about how that may work in practice. The islands China occupies in the South China Sea are off-limits to foreigners, with access under the effective control of the People’s Liberation Army(PLA) despite them technically being administratively part of China’s southern Hainan province. Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei also have competing claims in the South China Sea. China has frequently lambasted the United States and its allies for freedom of navigation naval operations near to Chinese-occupied islands. The United States earlier this month again urged China to halt militarisation of the South China Sea. China said it had the right to build “necessary defence facilities” on what it considers its own territory and urged Washington to stop sending warships and military planes close to the islands that Beijing claims.

China building new structure on Bombay Reef in South China Sea: US think tank

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, comments sure to rile China which claims the strategic sea route.

Pence spoke after his meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who greeted him with a welcome ceremony and had an orchid named after him and his wife Karen.

The United States has conducted a series of "freedom of navigation" exercises in the contested South China Sea, angering Beijing, which says the moves threaten its sovereignty.

China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, all have claims in the South China Sea, through which some $3 trillion of ship-borne trade passes each year.

Pence on Thursday told leaders of Southeast Asian nations on there was no place for "empire and aggression" in the Indo-Pacific region, a comment that could be interpreted as a reference to China's rise.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, comments sure to rile China which claims the strategic sea route.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, comments sure to rile China which claims the strategic sea route. Pence spoke after his meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who greeted him with a welcome ceremony and had an orchid named after him and his wife Karen. The United States has conducted a series of "freedom of navigation" exercises in the contested South China Sea, angering Beijing, which says the moves threaten its sovereignty. China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, all have claims in the South China Sea, through which some $3 trillion of ship-borne trade passes each year. Pence on Thursday told leaders of Southeast Asian nations on there was no place for "empire and aggression" in the Indo-Pacific region, a comment that could be interpreted as a reference to China's rise.

Watch: South China Sea doesn’t belong to any one nation, says Pence

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