In another display of its heavy-handed tactics in the South China Sea, China anchored its “monster ship” in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday (July 6). The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was on alert when&nbsp;the gigantic Chinese vessel&nbsp;entered Manila’s 200-nautical mile EEZ.&nbsp;

The 165-metre China Coast Guard vessel named CCG-5901 was anchored near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands, as per CNN.

Coast guard vessels are used for patrolling the coastline of a country, what makes this event unusual is not just the area in which patrolling was done but also the size of the Chinese patrolling vessel.&nbsp;

<h2>What is China’s ‘monster’ ship? What is so unusual about it?</h2>

All countries with coastal lines along seas have robust naval forces, comprising of a Navy and Coast Guards. The country’s Navy generally have the big toys of the game like frigates, nuclear submarines, warships and aircraft carriers. The Coast Guards, on the other hand, have comparatively small vessels used for patrolling the coastal borders.

These coastal patrolling vessels are usually small in size and have small displacement. For instance, the Indian Coast Guards have coastal ships of about 1,800-3,900 tonnes- which is considered an ideal size for a patrolling vessel worldwide.&nbsp;

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However, when it comes to Chinese coastal vessel, CCG-5901, it has a displacement of 12,000 tonnes. It is said to be bigger than any regular Coast Guard ship in the world – barring a speciality US Coast Guard icebreaker – and even larger than some US Navy destroyers. This unusual size of a patrolling ship is a cue to the Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiPhfTX6JuHAxWmi68BHYAgAJoQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-can-detain-foreigners-for-trespassing-in-disputed-south-china-sea-731991" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-can-detain-foreigners-for-trespassing-in-disputed-south-china-sea-731991&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiPhfTX6JuHAxWmi68BHYAgAJoQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">China can detain foreigners for trespassing in disputed South China Sea</a>

The CCG-5901 even has more firepower than its US counterparts. It has two main 76.2-millimetre guns compared to just one main 57-millimetre gun on the US vessels.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the vessel, which entered the 200-nautical mile, was meant to intimidate its smaller neighbour.

PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela said that the Chinese vessel was warned that it was in the Philippines’ EEZ and asked about their intentions. The Chinese ship, which has also deployed a small boat, was anchored 800 yards away from the PCG’s vessel, Tarriela said.

The CCG-5901 is five times bigger than the PCG’s ship.

<h2>Is Beijing inching closer to a war?</h2>

Many believe that Beijing is apparently trying to intimidate its smaller Asian neighbour, while others anticipate that it is inching closer to a war in the South China Sea with such flexing of military muscle. The latter anticipation also comes from the recent trend of many high-net-worth people leaving China- not just millionaires, but Chinese billionaires are also looking to move their cash and themselves out of the country, a move seen as a major precursor to an upcoming war.&nbsp;

Ray Powell, a South China Sea expert and director of SeaLight at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University, told CNN that ‘the monster’ has been roaming the EEZ since a clash near Second Thomas Shoal in June.

The Philippines has soldiers living aboard a rusty, ageing warship at the Second Thomas Shoal, which was deliberately grounded by Manila in 1999 to reinforce its maritime claims.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiw18zu6JuHAxXXdPUHHSPQBDA4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-navy-tear-down-chinese-fishing-nets-in-south-china-sea-729160" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-navy-tear-down-chinese-fishing-nets-in-south-china-sea-729160&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw18zu6JuHAxXXdPUHHSPQBDA4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ">Philippines Navy tear down Chinese fishing nets in South China Sea</a>

“Immediately following the dramatic standoff at Second Thomas Shoal … The Monster toured nearly every Philippine outpost and a key feature in the South China Sea,” Powell said.

“Its massive size enables it to intimidate its neighbours while avoiding the escalatory implications of sending a gray-hulled military vessel,” Powell added.

On June 17,&nbsp;Philippines and China clashed over the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, when some Filipino navy personnel were left injured as CCG personnel repeatedly rammed Philippine rubber boats to stop them from delivering food supplies, firearms and other necessities to BRP Sierra Madre.

The Philippines military had also shared the video of the June 17 incident on its official X handle.

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RORE RECAP | During the AFP's critical humanitarian rotation and resupply operations at BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin Shoal on June 17, the China Coast Guard's use of violence and intimidation tactics damaged AFP vessels and severely injured Philippine Navy personnel.… <a href="https://t.co/KR0sIxuczY">pic.twitter.com/KR0sIxuczY</a>
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The shoal off the northwestern Philippines has emerged as a new flashpoint in the region.&nbsp;

During the Jun 17 incident, the CCG personnel were seen flaunting knives, an axe, and pointed sticks- similar unconventional weapons that were used during the 2020 Galwan standoff with India. Based on the videos and photos released by the Philippine military, the Navy boats were slashed and the navigational screen was smashed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwic3pz66JuHAxVfmK8BHUzuDKYQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jinping-will-not-forget-former-indian-coas-recounts-2020-galwan-clash-in-his-memoir-670698" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jinping-will-not-forget-former-indian-coas-recounts-2020-galwan-clash-in-his-memoir-670698&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic3pz66JuHAxVfmK8BHUzuDKYQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">‘Xi will not forget`: Former Indian Army chief recounts 2020 Galwan clash in his memoir</a>

The Asian neighbours previously agreed to hold what they call the Bicameral Consultative Mechanism meetings, first held in 2017, to peacefully manage their disputes.

India and Japan are also giving their full-fledged backing to the Philippines in this matter. Japan is also in talks with Manila to sign a defence pact, much similar to the mutual defence treaty between the Philippines and the US. But Manila knows that it needs more than just the US when it comes to countering China in the South China Sea, which is why we will see more military engagements of&nbsp;Philippines with India and Japan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In another display of its heavy-handed tactics in the South China Sea, China anchored its “monster ship” in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday (July 6).

In another display of its heavy-handed tactics in the South China Sea, China anchored its “monster ship” in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday (July 6). The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was on alert when the gigantic Chinese vessel entered Manila’s 200-nautical mile EEZ. The 165-metre China Coast Guard vessel named CCG-5901 was anchored near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands, as per CNN. Coast guard vessels are used for patrolling the coastline of a country, what makes this event unusual is not just the area in which patrolling was done but also the size of the Chinese patrolling vessel. What is China’s ‘monster’ ship? What is so unusual about it? All countries with coastal lines along seas have robust naval forces, comprising of a Navy and Coast Guards. The country’s Navy generally have the big toys of the game like frigates, nuclear submarines, warships and aircraft carriers. The Coast Guards, on the other hand, have comparatively small vessels used for patrolling the coastal borders. These coastal patrolling vessels are usually small in size and have small displacement. For instance, the Indian Coast Guards have coastal ships of about 1,800-3,900 tonnes- which is considered an ideal size for a patrolling vessel worldwide. × However, when it comes to Chinese coastal vessel, CCG-5901, it has a displacement of 12,000 tonnes. It is said to be bigger than any regular Coast Guard ship in the world – barring a speciality US Coast Guard icebreaker – and even larger than some US Navy destroyers. This unusual size of a patrolling ship is a cue to the Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. Also Read | China can detain foreigners for trespassing in disputed South China Sea The CCG-5901 even has more firepower than its US counterparts. It has two main 76.2-millimetre guns compared to just one main 57-millimetre gun on the US vessels. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the vessel, which entered the 200-nautical mile, was meant to intimidate its smaller neighbour. PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela said that the Chinese vessel was warned that it was in the Philippines’ EEZ and asked about their intentions. The Chinese ship, which has also deployed a small boat, was anchored 800 yards away from the PCG’s vessel, Tarriela said. The CCG-5901 is five times bigger than the PCG’s ship. Is Beijing inching closer to a war? Many believe that Beijing is apparently trying to intimidate its smaller Asian neighbour, while others anticipate that it is inching closer to a war in the South China Sea with such flexing of military muscle. The latter anticipation also comes from the recent trend of many high-net-worth people leaving China- not just millionaires, but Chinese billionaires are also looking to move their cash and themselves out of the country, a move seen as a major precursor to an upcoming war. Ray Powell, a South China Sea expert and director of SeaLight at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University, told CNN that ‘the monster’ has been roaming the EEZ since a clash near Second Thomas Shoal in June. The Philippines has soldiers living aboard a rusty, ageing warship at the Second Thomas Shoal, which was deliberately grounded by Manila in 1999 to reinforce its maritime claims. Also Read | Philippines Navy tear down Chinese fishing nets in South China Sea “Immediately following the dramatic standoff at Second Thomas Shoal … The Monster toured nearly every Philippine outpost and a key feature in the South China Sea,” Powell said. “Its massive size enables it to intimidate its neighbours while avoiding the escalatory implications of sending a gray-hulled military vessel,” Powell added. On June 17, Philippines and China clashed over the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, when some Filipino navy personnel were left injured as CCG personnel repeatedly rammed Philippine rubber boats to stop them from delivering food supplies, firearms and other necessities to BRP Sierra Madre. The Philippines military had also shared the video of the June 17 incident on its official X handle. RORE RECAP | During the AFP's critical humanitarian rotation and resupply operations at BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin Shoal on June 17, the China Coast Guard's use of violence and intimidation tactics damaged AFP vessels and severely injured Philippine Navy personnel.… pic.twitter.com/KR0sIxuczY — Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) June 20, 2024 × The shoal off the northwestern Philippines has emerged as a new flashpoint in the region. During the Jun 17 incident, the CCG personnel were seen flaunting knives, an axe, and pointed sticks- similar unconventional weapons that were used during the 2020 Galwan standoff with India. Based on the videos and photos released by the Philippine military, the Navy boats were slashed and the navigational screen was smashed. Also Read | ‘Xi will not forget`: Former Indian Army chief recounts 2020 Galwan clash in his memoir The Asian neighbours previously agreed to hold what they call the Bicameral Consultative Mechanism meetings, first held in 2017, to peacefully manage their disputes. India and Japan are also giving their full-fledged backing to the Philippines in this matter. Japan is also in talks with Manila to sign a defence pact, much similar to the mutual defence treaty between the Philippines and the US. But Manila knows that it needs more than just the US when it comes to countering China in the South China Sea, which is why we will see more military engagements of Philippines with India and Japan. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: What is unusual about China's 'monster' ship near Philippines? Is Beijing inching closer to war?

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Chinese President Xi Jinping gave the order to his forces on Thursday during a recent parliament meeting to prepare for conflicts in the East and South China Seas as Beijing continues to assert its economic and political dominance over other nations.

Xi calls for coordination of military, preparation for conflicts at sea

At a recent parliament meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered his troops on Thursday to get ready for battles in the East and South China Seas, as Beijing continues to establish its political and economic supremacy over other countries.

Xi urges preparation for military conflict | South-China sea can face Chinese aggression?

On Thursday, March 7, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the military to plan ahead for naval battles, defend the nation's maritime interests and rights, and advance the marine industry.

Xi Jinping urges Chinese military to prepare for military conflicts & protect maritime rights

Beijing: On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the military to plan ahead for naval battles, defend the nation's maritime interests and rights, and foster the growth of the marine industry.

China's Xi stresses deepening reform to enhance strategic capabilities of military for war readiness

China on Thursday (March 23) said that an American warship was warned and away from waters it illegally entered in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, Washington rejected the claims.&nbsp;

The Chinese military said in a statement that it had monitored the United States destroyer around the Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha Islands.&nbsp;

The military statement mentioned said that the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius intruded into China's territorial waters. As claimed by Beijing, the move undermined peace and stability in the busy waterway.&nbsp;

In a statement, the military said that the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius intruded into China's territorial waters, undermining peace and stability in the busy waterway.&nbsp;

Tian Junli, a spokesman for China's Southern Theatre Command, said: "The theater forces will maintain a high state of alert at all times and take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and peace and stability in the South China Sea."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US&nbsp;rejected the claims with the navy stating that the destroyer is conducting "routine operations" in the South China Sea and was not expelled.&nbsp;

A statement from the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet said, "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows."&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency AFP, a&nbsp;spokesperson said: "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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China on Thursday (March 23) said that an American warship was warned and away from waters it illegally entered in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, Washington rejected the claims.

China on Thursday (March 23) said that an American warship was warned and away from waters it illegally entered in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, Washington rejected the claims. The Chinese military said in a statement that it had monitored the United States destroyer around the Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha Islands. The military statement mentioned said that the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius intruded into China's territorial waters. As claimed by Beijing, the move undermined peace and stability in the busy waterway. In a statement, the military said that the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius intruded into China's territorial waters, undermining peace and stability in the busy waterway. Tian Junli, a spokesman for China's Southern Theatre Command, said: "The theater forces will maintain a high state of alert at all times and take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and peace and stability in the South China Sea." Meanwhile, the US rejected the claims with the navy stating that the destroyer is conducting "routine operations" in the South China Sea and was not expelled. A statement from the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet said, "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows." As quoted by the news agency AFP, a spokesperson said: "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US rejects China's claims that American warship illegally entered waters in South China Sea

As China prepares to host the Winter Olympics next month, China's state-run Global Times quoting the Chinese defence ministry reported that PLA "is ready to deal with any US military provocations" during the games.

The United States had recently sent its warship USS Benfold to the South China Sea angering China. China had said it had sent its forces to "track" and "monitor" the US destroyer.

China claims the South China Sea area as its own despite similar competing claims from Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines.

China has also rejected the international court's decision that it has no historical rights over the islands in the South China Sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nanning-how-chinas-new-warship-with-anti-stealth-radar-is-set-to-change-balance-in-south-china-sea-392163">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Nanning: China's new warship with anti-stealth radar in South China Sea</a>

Reports say China recently conducted day-and-night flight exercises in Yongxing Island in the South China Sea as warplanes launched mock attacks during the day with the Chinese navy's J-11B fighter jets also taking part.

The US and its Western allies have conducted a number of "freedom of navigation operations" in the South China Sea as USS Benfold sailed for the first time through the contested waters this year.

In a research paper earlier, the State Department had said China has "no basis" over the South China Sea even as President Xi's regime rejected the report.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/aircraft-carrier-killer-why-us-china-tested-missiles-on-same-day-amid-tension-at-south-china-sea-318653">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Why US, China tested missiles on same day amid tension at South China Sea</a>

"The overall effect of these maritime claims is that the PRC unlawfully claims sovereignty or some form of exclusive jurisdiction over most of the South China Sea," the paper said.

Amid tensions in the area, China has continued to build military installations in the area worrying China's neighbours.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As China prepares to host the Winter Olympics next month, China's state-run Global Times quoting the Chinese defence ministry reported that PLA "is ready to deal with any US military provocations" during the games.

As China prepares to host the Winter Olympics next month, China's state-run Global Times quoting the Chinese defence ministry reported that PLA "is ready to deal with any US military provocations" during the games. The United States had recently sent its warship USS Benfold to the South China Sea angering China. China had said it had sent its forces to "track" and "monitor" the US destroyer. China claims the South China Sea area as its own despite similar competing claims from Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines. China has also rejected the international court's decision that it has no historical rights over the islands in the South China Sea. Also Read in Pics: Nanning: China's new warship with anti-stealth radar in South China Sea Reports say China recently conducted day-and-night flight exercises in Yongxing Island in the South China Sea as warplanes launched mock attacks during the day with the Chinese navy's J-11B fighter jets also taking part. The US and its Western allies have conducted a number of "freedom of navigation operations" in the South China Sea as USS Benfold sailed for the first time through the contested waters this year. In a research paper earlier, the State Department had said China has "no basis" over the South China Sea even as President Xi's regime rejected the report. Also Read in Pics: Why US, China tested missiles on same day amid tension at South China Sea "The overall effect of these maritime claims is that the PRC unlawfully claims sovereignty or some form of exclusive jurisdiction over most of the South China Sea," the paper said. Amid tensions in the area, China has continued to build military installations in the area worrying China's neighbours. (With inputs from Agencies)

'US provocations': Ahead of Winter Olympics, PLA conducts drills in South China Sea

In the backdrop of China’s growing assertiveness in the South China seas, Japan and Vietnam signed a new defence deal for the transfer of Japanese-made defence equipment and technology to Hanoi.

The accord was inked in Hanoi on Saturday during Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi’s first trip overseas after assuming the post last year.

Japan will speed up talks with Vietnam to sell Self-Defence Forces’ vessels, Kishi said in an online press conference, following a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang.

Vietnam, one of the key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is reportedly the 11th country to sign such an agreement with Japan, at a time when China growing military influence in the Southeast Asian region.

Vietnam has territorial disputes with China over the Spratly and Paracel island groups in the South China Sea.

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Japan and China are also embroiled in a territorial dispute, with Tokyo regularly protesting against the Chinese coastguard’s presence in the East China Sea near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands, which Beijing also claims and calls Diaoyu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-a-stronger-military-presence-in-asia-to-tackle-china-japan-urges-european-nations-392843">Have a stronger military presence in Asia to tackle China: Japan urges European nations</a>

Japanese officials say Chinese vessels routinely violate Japanese territorial waters around the islands, sometimes threatening fishing boats.

Vietnam has strong defence ties with Russia and relies on it for most of its equipment, including submarines and fighter jets, as it was part of the former Communist bloc during the Cold War.

Tokyo is also looking to expand military cooperation beyond its longtime ally, the United States, and has signed similar agreements with the United Kingdom, Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

“The accord will strengthen Japan’s defence industrial base and is expected to contribute to the country's security," Kishi was quoted by local news outlets in Hanoi.

He added they agreed to work together for a rules-based order and reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as to abide by international law, in a veiled counter against Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the backdrop of China’s growing assertiveness in the South China seas, Japan and Vietnam signed a new defence deal for the transfer of Japanese-made defence equipment and technology to Hanoi.

In the backdrop of China’s growing assertiveness in the South China seas, Japan and Vietnam signed a new defence deal for the transfer of Japanese-made defence equipment and technology to Hanoi. The accord was inked in Hanoi on Saturday during Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi’s first trip overseas after assuming the post last year. Japan will speed up talks with Vietnam to sell Self-Defence Forces’ vessels, Kishi said in an online press conference, following a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang. Vietnam, one of the key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is reportedly the 11th country to sign such an agreement with Japan, at a time when China growing military influence in the Southeast Asian region. Vietnam has territorial disputes with China over the Spratly and Paracel island groups in the South China Sea. Watch Japan and China are also embroiled in a territorial dispute, with Tokyo regularly protesting against the Chinese coastguard’s presence in the East China Sea near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands, which Beijing also claims and calls Diaoyu. Also read | Have a stronger military presence in Asia to tackle China: Japan urges European nations Japanese officials say Chinese vessels routinely violate Japanese territorial waters around the islands, sometimes threatening fishing boats. Vietnam has strong defence ties with Russia and relies on it for most of its equipment, including submarines and fighter jets, as it was part of the former Communist bloc during the Cold War. Tokyo is also looking to expand military cooperation beyond its longtime ally, the United States, and has signed similar agreements with the United Kingdom, Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia. “The accord will strengthen Japan’s defence industrial base and is expected to contribute to the country's security," Kishi was quoted by local news outlets in Hanoi. He added they agreed to work together for a rules-based order and reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as to abide by international law, in a veiled counter against Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan, Vietnam ink defence transfer deal amid China’s growing assertiveness in disputed regions

The Philippines on Wednesday reported what it said were incursions into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by 287 maritime militia vessels from&nbsp;China, in a further sign of cracks reappearing in a relationship after a period of rapprochement.

"This incident along with continued illegal incursions of foreign vessels sighted near Philippine-held islands have been submitted to relevant agencies for the possible diplomatic actions," the task force on the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea said in a statement.

The Philippine foreign ministry has repeatedly complained to&nbsp;China&nbsp;in recent weeks about a "swarming and threatening presence" of Chinese vessels in its EEZ and has demanded they be withdrawn.

The Philippines has recently boosted its presence in the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea through "sovereignty patrols", in a show of defiance that critics say has been lacking under its pro-China&nbsp;president, Rodrigo Duterte, who has drawn domestic flak for his refusal to stand up to Beijing.

There was no immediate response to a request for comment from the Chinese embassy in Manila.

Experts say&nbsp;China's fleet fishing boats and coastguard are central to its strategic ambitions in the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, maintaining a constant presence that complicates fishing and offshore energy activities by other coastal states.

Chinese officials have previously denied there are militia aboard its fishing boats.

Duterte caused a stir last week when he said a landmark 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that went in the Philippines' favour in a dispute with&nbsp;China&nbsp;was just a "piece of paper" that he could throw in the trash.

The tribunal also ruled that&nbsp;China's claims to almost the entire South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes each year, had no legal basis.

Defence and security analyst Jose Antonio Custodio said Duterte's comments "cancels-out" the tougher tone being taken with&nbsp;China&nbsp;by his top diplomats and defence chiefs.

"We don't have unity in messaging," Custodio said. "That is encouraging&nbsp;China's actions."

The Philippines on Wednesday reported what it said were incursions into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by 287 maritime militia vessels from China, in a further sign of cracks reappearing in a relationship after a period of rapprochement.

The Philippines on Wednesday reported what it said were incursions into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by 287 maritime militia vessels from China, in a further sign of cracks reappearing in a relationship after a period of rapprochement. "This incident along with continued illegal incursions of foreign vessels sighted near Philippine-held islands have been submitted to relevant agencies for the possible diplomatic actions," the task force on the South China Sea said in a statement. The Philippine foreign ministry has repeatedly complained to China in recent weeks about a "swarming and threatening presence" of Chinese vessels in its EEZ and has demanded they be withdrawn. The Philippines has recently boosted its presence in the South China Sea through "sovereignty patrols", in a show of defiance that critics say has been lacking under its pro-China president, Rodrigo Duterte, who has drawn domestic flak for his refusal to stand up to Beijing. There was no immediate response to a request for comment from the Chinese embassy in Manila. Experts say China's fleet fishing boats and coastguard are central to its strategic ambitions in the South China Sea, maintaining a constant presence that complicates fishing and offshore energy activities by other coastal states. Chinese officials have previously denied there are militia aboard its fishing boats. Duterte caused a stir last week when he said a landmark 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that went in the Philippines' favour in a dispute with China was just a "piece of paper" that he could throw in the trash. The tribunal also ruled that China's claims to almost the entire South China Sea where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes each year, had no legal basis. Defence and security analyst Jose Antonio Custodio said Duterte's comments "cancels-out" the tougher tone being taken with China by his top diplomats and defence chiefs. "We don't have unity in messaging," Custodio said. "That is encouraging China's actions."

Philippines flags 'incursions' by nearly 300 Chinese militia boats

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Philippines foreign minister lambasts China in expletive-laced tweet US begins reuniting some families separated at Mexico border Myanmar rebel group says it sh

Philippines foreign minister lambasts China in expletive-laced tweet US begins reuniting some families separated at Mexico border Myanmar rebel group says it shot down military helicopter After news law feud, Australia's Seven West Media signs Google, Facebook deal Israeli state watchdog to investigate religious festival stampede Iran denies reports of prisoner swap with US Syria: Bashar al-Assad will face two 'rivals' in presidential elections Pfizer donates 'largest humanitarian relief' worth $70 million to India Twenty six killed in boat accident in Bangladesh New Zealand fires nine border workers who refused coronavirus vaccines

Top 10 world news today: Philippines lambasts China, US begins reuniting some families separated at Mexico border and more

The Philippine foreign minister on Monday demanded in an expletive-laced message on Twitter that China's vessels get out of disputed waters, marking the latest exchange in a war of words with Beijing over its activities in the South China Sea.

The comments by Teodoro Locsin, known for making blunt remarks at times, follow Manila's protests for what it calls the "illegal" presence of hundreds of Chinese boats inside the Philippines 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-trying-to-capture-a-new-island-377154/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"China, my friend, how politely can I put it? Let me see… O…GET THE F***&nbsp;OUT," Locsin said in a tweet on his personal account.

"What are you doing to our friendship? You. Not us. We're trying. You. You're like an ugly oaf forcing your attentions on a handsome guy who wants to be a friend; not to father a Chinese province…", Locsin said.

Chinese officials have previously said the vessels at the disputed Whitsun Reef were fishing boats taking refuge from rough seas.

The high-profile feud has escalated despite President Rodrigo Duterte's friendly stance toward China.

Both countries claim the rich fishing area, which China effectively seized in 2012 by surrounding it with its coast guard and surveillance ships after a tense standoff with Philippine vessels.

In a statement on Monday, the Philippine foreign ministry accused China's coast guard of "shadowing, blocking, dangerous manoeuvres, and radio challenges of the Philippine coast guard vessels."

Philippine officials believe the Chinese vessels are manned by militia.

On Sunday, the Philippines vowed to continue maritime exercises in its EEZ in the South China Sea in response to a China demand that it stop actions it said could escalate disputes.

As of April 26, the Philippines had filed 78 diplomatic protests to China since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016, foreign ministry data shows.

"Our statements are stronger too because of the more brazen nature of the activities, the number, frequency and proximity of intrusions," Marie Yvette Banzon-Abalos, executive director for strategic communications at the foreign ministry, said.

Duterte for the most part has pursued warmer ties with China in exchange for Beijing's promises of billions of dollars in investment, aid, and loans.

While the Philippine leader still considers China "a good friend", he said last week: "There are things that are not really subject to a compromise."

The escalating feud between Manila and Beijing started after more than 200 Chinese vessels suspected by Philippine authorities to be operated by militias were spotted in early March at Whitsun Reef.

The Philippine government demanded the vessels leave, then deployed coast guard vessels to the area. China said it owns the reef and the Chinese vessels were sheltering from rough seas.

Many of the Chinese vessels have left Whitsun, about 175 nautical miles (325 kilometers) west of the Philippine province of Palawan, but several have remained moored in the area, part of a shallow atoll partly occupied by China and Vietnam.

The Philippine government says the reef is within an internationally recognised offshore zone where Manila has exclusive rights to exploit fisheries, oil, gas and other resources.

The United States has said it will stand by the Philippines amid the territorial disputes.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Philippine foreign minister on Monday demanded in an expletive-laced message on Twitter that China's vessels get out of disputed waters, marking the latest exchange in a war of words with Beijing over its activities in the South China Sea.

The Philippine foreign minister on Monday demanded in an expletive-laced message on Twitter that China's vessels get out of disputed waters, marking the latest exchange in a war of words with Beijing over its activities in the South China Sea. The comments by Teodoro Locsin, known for making blunt remarks at times, follow Manila's protests for what it calls the "illegal" presence of hundreds of Chinese boats inside the Philippines 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). "China, my friend, how politely can I put it? Let me see… O…GET THE F*** OUT," Locsin said in a tweet on his personal account. "What are you doing to our friendship? You. Not us. We're trying. You. You're like an ugly oaf forcing your attentions on a handsome guy who wants to be a friend; not to father a Chinese province…", Locsin said. Chinese officials have previously said the vessels at the disputed Whitsun Reef were fishing boats taking refuge from rough seas. The high-profile feud has escalated despite President Rodrigo Duterte's friendly stance toward China. Both countries claim the rich fishing area, which China effectively seized in 2012 by surrounding it with its coast guard and surveillance ships after a tense standoff with Philippine vessels. In a statement on Monday, the Philippine foreign ministry accused China's coast guard of "shadowing, blocking, dangerous manoeuvres, and radio challenges of the Philippine coast guard vessels." Philippine officials believe the Chinese vessels are manned by militia. On Sunday, the Philippines vowed to continue maritime exercises in its EEZ in the South China Sea in response to a China demand that it stop actions it said could escalate disputes. As of April 26, the Philippines had filed 78 diplomatic protests to China since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016, foreign ministry data shows. "Our statements are stronger too because of the more brazen nature of the activities, the number, frequency and proximity of intrusions," Marie Yvette Banzon-Abalos, executive director for strategic communications at the foreign ministry, said. Duterte for the most part has pursued warmer ties with China in exchange for Beijing's promises of billions of dollars in investment, aid, and loans. While the Philippine leader still considers China "a good friend", he said last week: "There are things that are not really subject to a compromise." The escalating feud between Manila and Beijing started after more than 200 Chinese vessels suspected by Philippine authorities to be operated by militias were spotted in early March at Whitsun Reef. The Philippine government demanded the vessels leave, then deployed coast guard vessels to the area. China said it owns the reef and the Chinese vessels were sheltering from rough seas. Many of the Chinese vessels have left Whitsun, about 175 nautical miles (325 kilometers) west of the Philippine province of Palawan, but several have remained moored in the area, part of a shallow atoll partly occupied by China and Vietnam. The Philippine government says the reef is within an internationally recognised offshore zone where Manila has exclusive rights to exploit fisheries, oil, gas and other resources. The United States has said it will stand by the Philippines amid the territorial disputes. (With inputs from agencies)

South China Sea dispute: Philippines foreign minister lambasts China in expletive-laced tweet

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

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

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

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

Japan will hold a joint military drill with US and French troops in the country's southwest next month, the defence minister said Friday, as China's actions in regional waters raise concern.

The exercise, running from May 11 to 17, will be the first large-scale exercise in Japan involving ground troops from all three countries, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) said in a statement.

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It comes as Tokyo seeks to deepen defence cooperation beyond its key US ally to counter Beijing's growing assertiveness in the East and South China seas.

"France shares the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi told reporters.

"By strengthening cooperation between Japan, the United States and France, we'd like to further improve the tactics and skills of the Self-Defense Forces in defending remote island territories," he said.

Paris has strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific where it has territories, including the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean and French Polynesia in the South Pacific.

The joint drills will be held at the JGSDF's Kirishima training ground and Camp Ainoura in the Kyushu region and include amphibious operation exercises.

Last week, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden vowed to stand firm together against&nbsp;China and step up cooperation including on technology.

Japan has long said it feels threatened by China's vast military resources and territorial disputes.

It is particularly concerned by Chinese activity after the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands, which Beijing claims and calls the Diaoyu.

Washington has reiterated in recent months that the US-Japan Security Treaty covers the disputed islands.

China claims the majority of the South China Sea, invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify what it says are historic rights to the key trade waterway.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all contest parts of China's declared territory in the sea.

An international tribunal in The Hague in 2016 invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea in a first-ever ruling, also saying Chinese reclamation activities in the Spratly Islands are illegal. Beijing rejected the decision.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan will hold a joint military drill with US and French troops in the country's southwest next month, the defence minister said Friday, as China's actions in regional waters raise concern.

Japan will hold a joint military drill with US and French troops in the country's southwest next month, the defence minister said Friday, as China's actions in regional waters raise concern. The exercise, running from May 11 to 17, will be the first large-scale exercise in Japan involving ground troops from all three countries, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) said in a statement. It comes as Tokyo seeks to deepen defence cooperation beyond its key US ally to counter Beijing's growing assertiveness in the East and South China seas. "France shares the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi told reporters. "By strengthening cooperation between Japan, the United States and France, we'd like to further improve the tactics and skills of the Self-Defense Forces in defending remote island territories," he said. Paris has strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific where it has territories, including the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean and French Polynesia in the South Pacific. The joint drills will be held at the JGSDF's Kirishima training ground and Camp Ainoura in the Kyushu region and include amphibious operation exercises. Last week, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden vowed to stand firm together against China and step up cooperation including on technology. Japan has long said it feels threatened by China's vast military resources and territorial disputes. It is particularly concerned by Chinese activity after the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands, which Beijing claims and calls the Diaoyu. Washington has reiterated in recent months that the US-Japan Security Treaty covers the disputed islands. China claims the majority of the South China Sea, invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify what it says are historic rights to the key trade waterway. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all contest parts of China's declared territory in the sea. An international tribunal in The Hague in 2016 invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea in a first-ever ruling, also saying Chinese reclamation activities in the Spratly Islands are illegal. Beijing rejected the decision. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to host first joint military drill with US, France amid growing Chinese concerns

Amid tensions over the South China Sea, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-accuses-china-of-plans-to-occupy-more-features-in-south-china-sea-375301">Philippine</a> President Rodrigo Duterte's aides on Monday lashed out at China asserting that the presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed reef could ignite "unwanted hostilities".

Watch:

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Duterte's lawyer Salvador Panelo said that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-military-finds-more-illegal-structures-in-south-china-sea-374914">China's</a> present territorial incursions is producing an unwelcome stain in their bond and may trigger unwanted hostilities that both countries would rather not pursue," adding, "the matter of territorial dispute has to be resolved in the diplomatic negotiating table or by the dictates of international law."

"We can negotiate on matters of mutual concern and benefit, but make no mistake about it - our sovereignty is non-negotiable," Panelo asserted.

Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had earlier accused China of planning to occupy more "features" in the disputed waters.

The Philippine foreign ministry said it would send a complaint "every day" on China's delay in pulling out the vessels. The ministry said China "blatantly infringed" on Philippine jurisdiction.

Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque said the country will not "give up even a single inch" of its "national territory or our exclusive economic zone (EEZ)."

The disputed South China Sea has many competing claims with Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei in dispute with China.

Panelo added that the Philippines will not be blinded by China's humanitarian gestures reffing to the coronavirus vaccines.

"We will not be blinded however by any act done by it in violation of international law and in derogation of our sovereign rights," Panelo said while adding that the Philippines appreciated the "humanitarian gesture" of China's intention to send the vaccine amid the pandemic.

China has reportedly invoked the so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-philippines-officials-discuss-chinese-activities-in-south-china-sea-374715">nine-dash</a> line to justify its alleged rights over the South China Sea islands, however, it has largely ignored the international tribunal's 2016 decision that declared its assertion being without basis.

Amid tensions over the South China Sea, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's aides on Monday lashed out at China asserting that the presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed reef could ignite "unwanted hostilities".

Amid tensions over the South China Sea, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's aides on Monday lashed out at China asserting that the presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed reef could ignite "unwanted hostilities". Watch: Duterte's lawyer Salvador Panelo said that "China's present territorial incursions is producing an unwelcome stain in their bond and may trigger unwanted hostilities that both countries would rather not pursue," adding, "the matter of territorial dispute has to be resolved in the diplomatic negotiating table or by the dictates of international law." "We can negotiate on matters of mutual concern and benefit, but make no mistake about it - our sovereignty is non-negotiable," Panelo asserted. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had earlier accused China of planning to occupy more "features" in the disputed waters. The Philippine foreign ministry said it would send a complaint "every day" on China's delay in pulling out the vessels. The ministry said China "blatantly infringed" on Philippine jurisdiction. Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque said the country will not "give up even a single inch" of its "national territory or our exclusive economic zone (EEZ)." The disputed South China Sea has many competing claims with Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei in dispute with China. Panelo added that the Philippines will not be blinded by China's humanitarian gestures reffing to the coronavirus vaccines. "We will not be blinded however by any act done by it in violation of international law and in derogation of our sovereign rights," Panelo said while adding that the Philippines appreciated the "humanitarian gesture" of China's intention to send the vaccine amid the pandemic. China has reportedly invoked the so-called nine-dash line to justify its alleged rights over the South China Sea islands, however, it has largely ignored the international tribunal's 2016 decision that declared its assertion being without basis.

Chinese vessels in South China Sea could ignite 'unwanted hostilities': Philippines

Taiwan's defence minister said on Wednesday that&nbsp;it has strengthened deployments in the disputed South China Sea and that the United States has approved the export of sensitive technology to equip&nbsp;Taiwan's new submarine fleet.

China, which claims democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its own territory, has increased its military activity near the island in recent months seeking to pressure Taipei to accept Beijing's sovereignty.&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;has vowed to defend itself.

Speaking in parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, who took up his post last month, said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;has increased personnel and armaments on Itu Aba, the main island&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;occupies in the South China Sea.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/video-taiwan-begins-building-new-submarines-345222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Itu Aba, also known as Taiping island, is the largest naturally occurring island in the Spratleys and is garrisoned by&nbsp;Taiwan's Coast Guard.

"They are capable of starting a war," Chiu told the parliament when asked by a lawmaker on whether China could attack&nbsp;Taiwan. "My goal is for us to be ready at all times."

Chiu said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;was bolstering its position there due to China's "expansionism" in the region, though it was not currently considering a return to a permanent army garrison.

China has built man-made islands in the South China Sea and air bases on some of them. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have competing claims in the strategic waterway.

Separately, Chiu said that the United States had approved export permits for all of the sensitive equipment needed by&nbsp;Taiwan's indigenous submarine fleet, which it started building last year.

He added that&nbsp;Taiwan's arms purchases from the United States - the island's main source of weapons - had not been impacted by the new Biden administration taking office in Washington and were continuing.

Taiwan&nbsp;is modernising its armed forces, especially as it face almost daily challenges from China in the airspace and waters near the island, including frequent Chinese air force missions into&nbsp;Taiwan's air defence identification zone.

Chiu said these missions were part of China's war of attrition against&nbsp;Taiwan, whose forces are dwarfed by Beijing's, and defence forces were already adjusting on how to deal with such incursions, though did not give details.

"If we match them one for one, it costs a lot," he said.

In response,&nbsp;Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the country hopes that the United States will abide by the 'one-China' policy after it granted&nbsp;submarine approval for&nbsp;Taiwan.

Before leaving Tokyo, Secretary of State Blinken accused Beijing of acting more repressively at home and "more aggressively abroad", citing its activities in the East and South China Seas and towards&nbsp;Taiwan.

Taiwan's defence minister said on Wednesday that it has strengthened deployments in the disputed South China Sea and that the United States has approved the export of sensitive technology to equip Taiwan's new submarine fleet.

Taiwan's defence minister said on Wednesday that it has strengthened deployments in the disputed South China Sea and that the United States has approved the export of sensitive technology to equip Taiwan's new submarine fleet. China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory, has increased its military activity near the island in recent months seeking to pressure Taipei to accept Beijing's sovereignty. Taiwan has vowed to defend itself. Speaking in parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, who took up his post last month, said Taiwan has increased personnel and armaments on Itu Aba, the main island Taiwan occupies in the South China Sea. Itu Aba, also known as Taiping island, is the largest naturally occurring island in the Spratleys and is garrisoned by Taiwan's Coast Guard. "They are capable of starting a war," Chiu told the parliament when asked by a lawmaker on whether China could attack Taiwan. "My goal is for us to be ready at all times." Chiu said Taiwan was bolstering its position there due to China's "expansionism" in the region, though it was not currently considering a return to a permanent army garrison. China has built man-made islands in the South China Sea and air bases on some of them. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have competing claims in the strategic waterway. Separately, Chiu said that the United States had approved export permits for all of the sensitive equipment needed by Taiwan's indigenous submarine fleet, which it started building last year. He added that Taiwan's arms purchases from the United States - the island's main source of weapons - had not been impacted by the new Biden administration taking office in Washington and were continuing. Taiwan is modernising its armed forces, especially as it face almost daily challenges from China in the airspace and waters near the island, including frequent Chinese air force missions into Taiwan's air defence identification zone. Chiu said these missions were part of China's war of attrition against Taiwan, whose forces are dwarfed by Beijing's, and defence forces were already adjusting on how to deal with such incursions, though did not give details. "If we match them one for one, it costs a lot," he said. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the country hopes that the United States will abide by the 'one-China' policy after it granted submarine approval for Taiwan. Before leaving Tokyo, Secretary of State Blinken accused Beijing of acting more repressively at home and "more aggressively abroad", citing its activities in the East and South China Seas and towards Taiwan.

Taiwan strengthens deployments in South China Sea, gets US nod for submarine parts

The US military on Friday slammed ''destabilising and aggressive'' Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea and accused it of&nbsp;ramping up tensions.

"The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to US&nbsp;Navy ships, aircraft, or sailors," the US&nbsp;military's Pacific Command said in a statement.

Taiwan reported that several Chinese air force aircraft flew into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone last weekend, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, including fighter jets and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers.

Regional security and diplomatic sources familiar with the situation said China's air force was dispatched on missions beginning mid-morning on January&nbsp;23, coinciding with the US&nbsp;carrier group passing south of the Pratas.

China, which has long geared its military towards defending itself against the United States, was conducting exercises that would simulate an operation against an aircraft carrier, the sources said.

"They purposely conducted the drills when the US&nbsp;carrier was passing through the Bashi Channel," one source said, referring to the waterway between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines.

"That was not just meant for Taiwan. Most importantly, China is trying to tackle the issue of the South China Sea: it wants to stop the US&nbsp;military from entering the South China Sea. China wants to diminish the United States' weight in the western Pacific."

On Thursday, the Chinese ministry toughened its language towards Chinese-claimed Taiwan, warning after last weekend's stepped-up military activity near the island that "independence means war" and that its armed forces were acting in response to provocation and foreign interference.

China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The waters have become a flashpoint in the Sino-US&nbsp;relationship. Washington regularly accuses Beijing of militarizing the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves.

China, in turn, regularly bristles at US&nbsp;military activity in the region, saying on Monday that such actions are not conducive to peace and stability in the region.

The US&nbsp;Navy regularly conducts "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways.

The US&nbsp;Pacific Command renewed its pledge to continue operations in the region.

"The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, demonstrating resolve through our operational presence throughout the region," Pacific Command said.

&nbsp;

The US military on Friday slammed ''destabilising and aggressive'' Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea and accused it of ramping up tensions.

The US military on Friday slammed ''destabilising and aggressive'' Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea and accused it of ramping up tensions. "The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to US Navy ships, aircraft, or sailors," the US military's Pacific Command said in a statement. Taiwan reported that several Chinese air force aircraft flew into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone last weekend, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, including fighter jets and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers. Regional security and diplomatic sources familiar with the situation said China's air force was dispatched on missions beginning mid-morning on January 23, coinciding with the US carrier group passing south of the Pratas. China, which has long geared its military towards defending itself against the United States, was conducting exercises that would simulate an operation against an aircraft carrier, the sources said. "They purposely conducted the drills when the US carrier was passing through the Bashi Channel," one source said, referring to the waterway between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines. "That was not just meant for Taiwan. Most importantly, China is trying to tackle the issue of the South China Sea: it wants to stop the US military from entering the South China Sea. China wants to diminish the United States' weight in the western Pacific." On Thursday, the Chinese ministry toughened its language towards Chinese-claimed Taiwan, warning after last weekend's stepped-up military activity near the island that "independence means war" and that its armed forces were acting in response to provocation and foreign interference. China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea. The waters have become a flashpoint in the Sino-US relationship. Washington regularly accuses Beijing of militarizing the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves. China, in turn, regularly bristles at US military activity in the region, saying on Monday that such actions are not conducive to peace and stability in the region. The US Navy regularly conducts "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways. The US Pacific Command renewed its pledge to continue operations in the region. "The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, demonstrating resolve through our operational presence throughout the region," Pacific Command said.

US military berates ‘destabilising’ Chinese flights over South China Sea

China's ambassador to the United States on Wednesday said that China would not yield on matters concerning sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"China will not back down. We hope the United States will respect China's core interest and refrain from crossing the red line," Cui said.

Cui stressed that China wanted cooperation, not confrontation, and called for both sides to address differences through dialogue.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-warns-china-over-expansionism-in-asia-359774">Also read | US President Joe Biden warns China over expansionism in Asia</a>

Hong Kong, the western region of Xinjiang, the South China Sea and Taiwan were points of intensifying contention between China and the United States during the Trump administration.

With the Biden administration expected to take a more multilateral approach to China, Cui warned that a coalition of allies against China could create "new imbalances". 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-suga-vow-to-strengthen-us-japan-alliance-359772" hreflang="en">Biden and Suga vow to strengthen US-Japan alliance</a>

He said China welcomed Biden's decisions to rejoin the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization, and said China hoped to work with the United States on fighting the coronavirus pandemic and on global policy coordination to fend off economic and financial risk.

Treating China as a "strategic rival" of the United States is a misjudgement that could lead to mistakes, China's ambassador to the United States said in a speech to an online forum.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden sent a clear warning to China against any expansionist intentions in East and Southeast Asia.

Signalling Washington's rejection of Beijing's disputed territorial claims, Biden and his top security officials have underscored support for allies Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Since the Trump administration defined China as a strategic rival in 2018, Washington and Beijing have frequently clashed over issues ranging from trade to Beijing's handling of the coronavirus, and the new administration of President Joe Biden is expected to maintain pressure on China.

In the first major speech by a Chinese official on relations between the world's two biggest economies since Biden took office, Ambassador Cui Tiankai reasserted China's long-standing position of seeking peaceful coexistence with the United States, while warning it not to cross China's red lines.

"Treating China as a strategic rival and imaginary enemy would be a huge strategic misjudgement," Cui told the forum that took place late on Wednesday, U.S. time, Thursday in Beijing.

"To develop any policy on the basis of that would only lead to grave strategic mistakes."

(With inputs from agencies)

China's ambassador to the United States on Wednesday said that China would not yield on matters concerning sovereignty and territorial integrity. "China will not back down.

China's ambassador to the United States on Wednesday said that China would not yield on matters concerning sovereignty and territorial integrity. "China will not back down. We hope the United States will respect China's core interest and refrain from crossing the red line," Cui said. Cui stressed that China wanted cooperation, not confrontation, and called for both sides to address differences through dialogue. Also read | US President Joe Biden warns China over expansionism in Asia Hong Kong, the western region of Xinjiang, the South China Sea and Taiwan were points of intensifying contention between China and the United States during the Trump administration. With the Biden administration expected to take a more multilateral approach to China, Cui warned that a coalition of allies against China could create "new imbalances". Also read: Biden and Suga vow to strengthen US-Japan alliance He said China welcomed Biden's decisions to rejoin the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization, and said China hoped to work with the United States on fighting the coronavirus pandemic and on global policy coordination to fend off economic and financial risk. Treating China as a "strategic rival" of the United States is a misjudgement that could lead to mistakes, China's ambassador to the United States said in a speech to an online forum. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden sent a clear warning to China against any expansionist intentions in East and Southeast Asia. Signalling Washington's rejection of Beijing's disputed territorial claims, Biden and his top security officials have underscored support for allies Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Since the Trump administration defined China as a strategic rival in 2018, Washington and Beijing have frequently clashed over issues ranging from trade to Beijing's handling of the coronavirus, and the new administration of President Joe Biden is expected to maintain pressure on China. In the first major speech by a Chinese official on relations between the world's two biggest economies since Biden took office, Ambassador Cui Tiankai reasserted China's long-standing position of seeking peaceful coexistence with the United States, while warning it not to cross China's red lines. "Treating China as a strategic rival and imaginary enemy would be a huge strategic misjudgement," Cui told the forum that took place late on Wednesday, U.S. time, Thursday in Beijing. "To develop any policy on the basis of that would only lead to grave strategic mistakes." (With inputs from agencies)

China will not back down on sovereignty and territorial integrity: Beijing to US

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday&nbsp;sent a clear warning to China&nbsp;against any expansionist intentions in East and Southeast Asia.

Signalling Washington's rejection of Beijing's disputed territorial claims, Biden and&nbsp;his top security officials have underscored support for allies Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

On Wednesday Biden and Suga discussed regional security issues, including China and North Korea, the White House said, adding that the leaders affirmed the necessity of complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and the early resolution of the abductions issue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-suga-vow-to-strengthen-us-japan-alliance-359772" hreflang="en">Biden and Suga vow to strengthen US-Japan alliance</a>

That stance was echoed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who told Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi on Saturday that the contested islands were covered by the US-Japan Security Treaty.

Austin affirmed that the United States "remains opposed to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea," according to a Pentagon statement on the call.

Meanwhile, three days into the Biden administration, State Department spokesman Ned Price warned China about menacing Taiwan after it repeatedly sent more than a dozen military fighters and bombers through the island's air defence zone.

"We will stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity security and values in the Indo-Pacific region -- and that includes deepening our ties with Democratic Taiwan," Price said in a statement.

"Our commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid."

Those comments and others sought to emphasize that the new Biden administration will not deviate from the firm security stance towards China that it inherited from ex-president Donald Trump.

'A free and open Indo-Pacific'

Washington has long sided with allies such as South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia in rejecting disputed Chinese territorial claims in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.

But the Trump administration raised the tone of that rejection when then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo declared last July that most of Beijing's maritime claims in the South China Sea were "completely unlawful."

In his first overseas contacts after taking office, Austin included not only Japan but also counterparts in Australia, South Korea and India.

Over the past three years, Washington has expanded defense cooperation with India, which sees China posing a military threat both on its northern border and in the seas to the south.

In a call with Indian defense minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, Austin observed that the two countries' defense partnership "is built upon shared values and a common interest in ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open," said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.

A similar China-directed refrain echoed through Austin's call with Australian defense minister Linda Reynolds on Tuesday.

Austin "emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, founded on existing international law and norms in a region free of malign behavior," Kirby said.

To underscore the unchanged US stance in Asia, on January 24, the fourth day of the new Biden administration, the US aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a so-called "freedom of navigation" mission in the South China Sea, sailing in or close to waters that China claims to underscore Washington's rejection of those claims.

In addition, even as his initial focus for the US Defense Department is battling the coronavirus, Austin is expected to make Asia his first destination on an international trip.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday sent a clear warning to China against any expansionist intentions in East and Southeast Asia. Signalling Washington's rejection of Beijing's disputed territorial claims, Biden and his top security officials have underscored support for allies Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday sent a clear warning to China against any expansionist intentions in East and Southeast Asia. Signalling Washington's rejection of Beijing's disputed territorial claims, Biden and his top security officials have underscored support for allies Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. On Wednesday Biden and Suga discussed regional security issues, including China and North Korea, the White House said, adding that the leaders affirmed the necessity of complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and the early resolution of the abductions issue. Also read: Biden and Suga vow to strengthen US-Japan alliance That stance was echoed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who told Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi on Saturday that the contested islands were covered by the US-Japan Security Treaty. Austin affirmed that the United States "remains opposed to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea," according to a Pentagon statement on the call. Meanwhile, three days into the Biden administration, State Department spokesman Ned Price warned China about menacing Taiwan after it repeatedly sent more than a dozen military fighters and bombers through the island's air defence zone. "We will stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity security and values in the Indo-Pacific region -- and that includes deepening our ties with Democratic Taiwan," Price said in a statement. "Our commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid." Those comments and others sought to emphasize that the new Biden administration will not deviate from the firm security stance towards China that it inherited from ex-president Donald Trump. 'A free and open Indo-Pacific' Washington has long sided with allies such as South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia in rejecting disputed Chinese territorial claims in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. But the Trump administration raised the tone of that rejection when then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo declared last July that most of Beijing's maritime claims in the South China Sea were "completely unlawful." In his first overseas contacts after taking office, Austin included not only Japan but also counterparts in Australia, South Korea and India. Over the past three years, Washington has expanded defense cooperation with India, which sees China posing a military threat both on its northern border and in the seas to the south. In a call with Indian defense minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, Austin observed that the two countries' defense partnership "is built upon shared values and a common interest in ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open," said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. A similar China-directed refrain echoed through Austin's call with Australian defense minister Linda Reynolds on Tuesday. Austin "emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, founded on existing international law and norms in a region free of malign behavior," Kirby said. To underscore the unchanged US stance in Asia, on January 24, the fourth day of the new Biden administration, the US aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a so-called "freedom of navigation" mission in the South China Sea, sailing in or close to waters that China claims to underscore Washington's rejection of those claims. In addition, even as his initial focus for the US Defense Department is battling the coronavirus, Austin is expected to make Asia his first destination on an international trip.

US President Joe Biden warns China over expansionism in Asia

Beijing has gone through years turning islands and reefs in the South China Sea into army installations and airstrips&nbsp;however, such region could be defenseless against assault and near shaky in case of war, a Chinese military magazine has cautioned.&nbsp;

The bases are "desolate in the removed ocean," and a long way from both the Chinese territory and different islands in the huge questioned waters, which length some 3.3 million square kilometers (1.3 million square miles), said Naval and Merchant Ships, a Beijing-based magazine distributed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which supplies the People's Liberation Army.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/south-china-sea-row-why-us-has-deployed-warship-uss-nimitz-in-naval-exercise-with-india-314673">South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India</a>

"Islands and reefs in the South China Sea have remarkable favorable circumstances in shielding public sway and keeping up a military presence in the vast ocean, yet they have normal shortcomings concerning their own military protection," it added.

China has been transforming&nbsp;the reefs and atolls it possesses on the contested Spratly Islands since 2015, transforming them into fake islands. It has likewise constructed airstrips and other military offices and sent hardware, for example, hostile to airplane firearms and close-in weapons frameworks, as indicated by the US think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies.&nbsp;

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/south-china-sea-standoff-can-quad-check-chinas-encroachment-270414">South China Sea standoff: Can Quad check China's encroachment?</a>

These moves elevated feelings of trepidation among rival South China Sea petitioners, for example, Vietnam and the Philippines, which dread the military development could permit Beijing to assault warplanes or destroy rockets from the offices.

China&nbsp;claims 90 per cent&nbsp;of the potentially energy-rich&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam each claim parts of it.

However, an article in the most recent release of Naval and Merchant Ships, a Beijing-based month to month magazine, featured the fake islands' shortcomings in four territories: their good ways from the territory, little size, the restricted limit of their airstrips and the various courses by which they could be assaulted.&nbsp;

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec068dab-5921-4eff-9584-5b80e832f7c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_82.jpg" />

In picture: Fiery Cross Reef, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea/&nbsp;Center for Strategic and International Studies

The magazine, distributed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which assembles ships for the Chinese naval force, likewise cautioned that they presently couldn't seem to accomplish any critical hostile abilities.&nbsp;

"These counterfeit islands have one of a kind preferences in shielding Chinese sway and keeping up a military presence in the profound sea, yet they have characteristic burdens in self-protection," said the article.&nbsp;

The magazine said the islands were somewhere down in the South China Sea and a long way from the Chinese territory. It additionally cautioned there was no cognizant chain associating them, so it is hard to offer help in the event that one went under assault.&nbsp;

"Take the case of the Fiery Cross Reef. It has a runway presently, however it's 1,000km (600 miles) away from Sanya city in Hainan area." The distance implies that China's quickest battle uphold boats would require over 20 hours to arrive at the island.&nbsp;

The article likewise contended that the islands were excessively far away to convey the J-16, China's most developed multi-job strike warrior, successfully. The warriors couldn't watch the region as a result of the distance and could be effortlessly captured or assaulted by surface boats.&nbsp;

It proceeded with that the vast majority of the islands just had one runway and didn't have the space to give the offices to help more than each airplane in turn.&nbsp;

In case of contention, this implies that a plane dumping or refueling would need to remain on the runway consistently, keeping different planes from utilizing it.&nbsp;

The airstrips are likewise near the sea, and the article said this left them presented to harm from tides and heat and humidity.&nbsp;

The magazine likewise said the fake islands were too little to even consider surviving significant assaults. The vast majority of the islands are level and have restricted vegetation or rocks.&nbsp;

This implies there is little cover against an assault and the best the Chinese military can do to secure gear and supplies is fabricate guarded sanctuaries out of materials like steel – which must be shipped from the terrain and can't withstand a continued rocket torrent.&nbsp;

The article likewise cautioned that close by islands were held by rival inquirers, and said that if the US upheld partners, for example, the Philippines or Malaysia in any contention, the were numerous methodologies from which it could assault –, for example, the Philippine island of Palawan, toward the east of the Spratlys, or the Strait of Malacca toward the west.

Beijing has gone through years turning islands and reefs in the South China Sea into army installations and airstrips however, such region could be defenseless against assault and near shaky in case of war, a Chinese military magazine has cautioned.

Beijing has gone through years turning islands and reefs in the South China Sea into army installations and airstrips however, such region could be defenseless against assault and near shaky in case of war, a Chinese military magazine has cautioned. The bases are "desolate in the removed ocean," and a long way from both the Chinese territory and different islands in the huge questioned waters, which length some 3.3 million square kilometers (1.3 million square miles), said Naval and Merchant Ships, a Beijing-based magazine distributed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which supplies the People's Liberation Army. Also see: South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India "Islands and reefs in the South China Sea have remarkable favorable circumstances in shielding public sway and keeping up a military presence in the vast ocean, yet they have normal shortcomings concerning their own military protection," it added. China has been transforming the reefs and atolls it possesses on the contested Spratly Islands since 2015, transforming them into fake islands. It has likewise constructed airstrips and other military offices and sent hardware, for example, hostile to airplane firearms and close-in weapons frameworks, as indicated by the US think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Also read| South China Sea standoff: Can Quad check China's encroachment? These moves elevated feelings of trepidation among rival South China Sea petitioners, for example, Vietnam and the Philippines, which dread the military development could permit Beijing to assault warplanes or destroy rockets from the offices. China claims 90 per cent of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam each claim parts of it. However, an article in the most recent release of Naval and Merchant Ships, a Beijing-based month to month magazine, featured the fake islands' shortcomings in four territories: their good ways from the territory, little size, the restricted limit of their airstrips and the various courses by which they could be assaulted. In picture: Fiery Cross Reef, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea/ Center for Strategic and International Studies The magazine, distributed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which assembles ships for the Chinese naval force, likewise cautioned that they presently couldn't seem to accomplish any critical hostile abilities. "These counterfeit islands have one of a kind preferences in shielding Chinese sway and keeping up a military presence in the profound sea, yet they have characteristic burdens in self-protection," said the article. The magazine said the islands were somewhere down in the South China Sea and a long way from the Chinese territory. It additionally cautioned there was no cognizant chain associating them, so it is hard to offer help in the event that one went under assault. "Take the case of the Fiery Cross Reef. It has a runway presently, however it's 1,000km (600 miles) away from Sanya city in Hainan area." The distance implies that China's quickest battle uphold boats would require over 20 hours to arrive at the island. The article likewise contended that the islands were excessively far away to convey the J-16, China's most developed multi-job strike warrior, successfully. The warriors couldn't watch the region as a result of the distance and could be effortlessly captured or assaulted by surface boats. It proceeded with that the vast majority of the islands just had one runway and didn't have the space to give the offices to help more than each airplane in turn. In case of contention, this implies that a plane dumping or refueling would need to remain on the runway consistently, keeping different planes from utilizing it. The airstrips are likewise near the sea, and the article said this left them presented to harm from tides and heat and humidity. The magazine likewise said the fake islands were too little to even consider surviving significant assaults. The vast majority of the islands are level and have restricted vegetation or rocks. This implies there is little cover against an assault and the best the Chinese military can do to secure gear and supplies is fabricate guarded sanctuaries out of materials like steel – which must be shipped from the terrain and can't withstand a continued rocket torrent. The article likewise cautioned that close by islands were held by rival inquirers, and said that if the US upheld partners, for example, the Philippines or Malaysia in any contention, the were numerous methodologies from which it could assault –, for example, the Philippine island of Palawan, toward the east of the Spratlys, or the Strait of Malacca toward the west.

South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration is stepping&nbsp;up its challenges to Beijing's maritime claims in the dispute-rife South China Sea.

The national security adviser of the United States, Robert O'Brien on Monday assured the Philippines and Vietnam, countries both locked in maritime rows with China, that Washington has their backs and would fight to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-us-has-deployed-its-2-billion-worth-b-2-spirit-bombers-in-south-china-sea-315392">Why US has deployed its $2 billion worth B-2 Spirit bombers in South China Sea</a>

"Our message is we're going to be here, we've got your back, and we're not leaving," said O'Brien, on a visit to the Philippines after concluding a trip to Vietnam on Sunday.

"I think when we send that message –&nbsp; that peace-through-strength message – is the way to deter China. It is a way to ensure the peace," O'Brien said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-three-vessels-to-south-china-sea-in-anti-submarine-exercise-334183">Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise</a>

China&nbsp;claims almost the whole of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia.

In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone.

The United States has long opposed China's expansive claims, sending warships regularly through the strategic waterway to demonstrate freedom of navigation there.

China maintains it is a force for peace in the region and sees the US&nbsp;presence as provocative and interference by an outsider.

O'Brien, who led the turnover in Manila of $18 million worth of precision-guided munitions, said the United States stood with the Philippines in protecting its offshore resource entitlements.

"Those resources belong to the children and grandchildren of the people here," he said.

"They don't belong to some other country that just because they may be bigger than the Philippines," he said, adding: "That's just wrong."

His visit came more than a week after the Philippines suspended its scrapping of a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States for a second time, as the treaty allies work on a long-term mutual defence arrangement.

Last year, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the Philippines it would come to its defense if attacked in the South China Sea.

US President Donald Trump's administration is stepping up its challenges to Beijing's maritime claims in the dispute-rife South China Sea. The national security adviser of the United States, Robert O'Brien on Monday assured the Philippines and Vietnam, countries both locked in maritime rows with China, that Washington has their backs and would fight to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open.

US President Donald Trump's administration is stepping up its challenges to Beijing's maritime claims in the dispute-rife South China Sea. The national security adviser of the United States, Robert O'Brien on Monday assured the Philippines and Vietnam, countries both locked in maritime rows with China, that Washington has their backs and would fight to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open. Also see: Why US has deployed its $2 billion worth B-2 Spirit bombers in South China Sea "Our message is we're going to be here, we've got your back, and we're not leaving," said O'Brien, on a visit to the Philippines after concluding a trip to Vietnam on Sunday. "I think when we send that message – that peace-through-strength message – is the way to deter China. It is a way to ensure the peace," O'Brien said. Also read: Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia. In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone. The United States has long opposed China's expansive claims, sending warships regularly through the strategic waterway to demonstrate freedom of navigation there. China maintains it is a force for peace in the region and sees the US presence as provocative and interference by an outsider. O'Brien, who led the turnover in Manila of $18 million worth of precision-guided munitions, said the United States stood with the Philippines in protecting its offshore resource entitlements. "Those resources belong to the children and grandchildren of the people here," he said. "They don't belong to some other country that just because they may be bigger than the Philippines," he said, adding: "That's just wrong." His visit came more than a week after the Philippines suspended its scrapping of a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States for a second time, as the treaty allies work on a long-term mutual defence arrangement. Last year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the Philippines it would come to its defense if attacked in the South China Sea.

South China Sea: US vows support to Philippines and Vietnam over row with China

Japan on Wednesday&nbsp;opposed&nbsp;any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga&nbsp;took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-chinese-submarine-parked-near-south-china-sea-322224">Satellite images show Chinese submarine parked near the South China Sea</a>

A number of Southeast Asian nations dispute China’s claims to the waters.

“In the Indo-Pacific that connects maritime transport between Japan and ASEAN, we can achieve the peace and prosperity only by fully implementing rule of law that allows anyone freedom and openness,” Suga told a news conference in Jakarta. ASEAN is the 11-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“But in the South China Sea, opposite actions are being taken and we are closely watching with grave concern,” Suga said. “Japan opposes to any action that would increase tensions in the South China Sea.”

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/south-china-sea-row-why-us-has-deployed-warship-uss-nimitz-in-naval-exercise-with-india-314673">South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India</a>

Suga reiterated that all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes must make peaceful efforts toward resolution, not by force or threat.

Suga pledged to strengthen bilateral defense ties with Southeast Asian nations and promised further assistance to step up their maritime policing, including training and equipment transfer from the Japanese Coast Guard.

The trip follows this month's meeting in Tokyo of the “Quad”, an informal grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the United States that Washington sees as a bulwark against China’s growing regional influence.

China has denounced the grouping of the four democracies as a "mini-NATO" aimed at containing its development.

"Our response in the South China Sea is not aimed at any one country," Suga said, when asked if Japan wanted to create an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Suga must balance Japan’s deep economic ties with China against security concerns, including Beijing’s growing push to assert claims over disputed East China Sea isles.

Some in his ruling party want to see a harder line, after ties warmed under his predecessor, Shinzo Abe.

"Japan is determined to defend its territory, territorial waters and air space," Suga said, adding that Japan also opposed actions that raised tension in the East China Sea.

Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have territorial disputes with China in the vital South China Sea, but are wary of alienating the group's major economic partner and getting entangled in an intense confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

But some welcome Japan's greater engagement in the region.

Suga agreed with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday to speed talks on the export of Japanese defence gear and technology to Indonesia and have their defence and foreign ministers meet soon.

A day earlier, the Japanese leader and Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc also agreed in principle on a military equipment and technology export pact.

Japan on Wednesday opposed any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways.

Japan on Wednesday opposed any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways. Also see: Satellite images show Chinese submarine parked near the South China Sea A number of Southeast Asian nations dispute China’s claims to the waters. “In the Indo-Pacific that connects maritime transport between Japan and ASEAN, we can achieve the peace and prosperity only by fully implementing rule of law that allows anyone freedom and openness,” Suga told a news conference in Jakarta. ASEAN is the 11-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “But in the South China Sea, opposite actions are being taken and we are closely watching with grave concern,” Suga said. “Japan opposes to any action that would increase tensions in the South China Sea.” Also see: South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India Suga reiterated that all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes must make peaceful efforts toward resolution, not by force or threat. Suga pledged to strengthen bilateral defense ties with Southeast Asian nations and promised further assistance to step up their maritime policing, including training and equipment transfer from the Japanese Coast Guard. The trip follows this month's meeting in Tokyo of the “Quad”, an informal grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the United States that Washington sees as a bulwark against China’s growing regional influence. China has denounced the grouping of the four democracies as a "mini-NATO" aimed at containing its development. "Our response in the South China Sea is not aimed at any one country," Suga said, when asked if Japan wanted to create an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Suga must balance Japan’s deep economic ties with China against security concerns, including Beijing’s growing push to assert claims over disputed East China Sea isles. Some in his ruling party want to see a harder line, after ties warmed under his predecessor, Shinzo Abe. "Japan is determined to defend its territory, territorial waters and air space," Suga said, adding that Japan also opposed actions that raised tension in the East China Sea. Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have territorial disputes with China in the vital South China Sea, but are wary of alienating the group's major economic partner and getting entangled in an intense confrontation between Washington and Beijing. But some welcome Japan's greater engagement in the region. Suga agreed with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday to speed talks on the export of Japanese defence gear and technology to Indonesia and have their defence and foreign ministers meet soon. A day earlier, the Japanese leader and Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc also agreed in principle on a military equipment and technology export pact.

South China Sea: Japan's Prime Miniter Yoshihide Suga opposes actions that escalate tensions

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit on Sunday on his first overseas trip amid tensions with China in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-sends-offering-to-controversial-war-shrine-336023">Also Read:&nbsp;Japan PM Suga sends offering to controversial war shrine</a>

PM &nbsp;Suga is set to meet Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc among other top officials during his visit with the Japanese prime minister set to deliver a speech at the Japan-Vietnam University and lay a wreath at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum in Hanoi.

Japan which heads the ASEAN currently has been looking to further diplomatic ties in east Asia even as several countries have been locked in a dispute with China over the South China Sea. Vietnam also has a long-running dispute with China over the disputed waterways.

PM Suga is expected to promote efforts to achieve a "free and open Indo-Pacific" during his visit.

"I would like to show a resolve to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific," Suga said.

According to the Japanese foreign ministry, both countries are set to allow free flow of medical equipment and other goods to diversify the supply chain amid the pandemic as both sides eye defence deals.

PM Suga is set to fly to Indonesia after his Vietnam visit and will meet President Joko to enhance ties between the two countries.

Indonesia and Japan as set to kickoff off "two-plus-two" meeting between their foreign and defense ministers.&nbsp;

Suga taken over from PM Shinzo Abe last month after the former prime minister had resigned due to health reasons.&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit on Sunday on his first overseas trip amid tensions with China in the region. Also Read: Japan PM Suga sends offering to controversial war shrine PM Suga is set to meet Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc among other top officials during his visit with the Japanese prime minister set to deliver a speech at the Japan-Vietnam University and lay a wreath at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum in Hanoi.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit on Sunday on his first overseas trip amid tensions with China in the region. Also Read: Japan PM Suga sends offering to controversial war shrine PM Suga is set to meet Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc among other top officials during his visit with the Japanese prime minister set to deliver a speech at the Japan-Vietnam University and lay a wreath at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum in Hanoi. Japan which heads the ASEAN currently has been looking to further diplomatic ties in east Asia even as several countries have been locked in a dispute with China over the South China Sea. Vietnam also has a long-running dispute with China over the disputed waterways. PM Suga is expected to promote efforts to achieve a "free and open Indo-Pacific" during his visit. "I would like to show a resolve to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific," Suga said. According to the Japanese foreign ministry, both countries are set to allow free flow of medical equipment and other goods to diversify the supply chain amid the pandemic as both sides eye defence deals. PM Suga is set to fly to Indonesia after his Vietnam visit and will meet President Joko to enhance ties between the two countries. Indonesia and Japan as set to kickoff off "two-plus-two" meeting between their foreign and defense ministers. Suga taken over from PM Shinzo Abe last month after the former prime minister had resigned due to health reasons.

Japanese PM Suga arrives in Vietnam on first foreign visit amid tensions with China

The Philippines government on Friday lifted the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-three-vessels-to-south-china-sea-in-anti-submarine-exercise-334183">South China Sea</a> amid talks with China over the disputed region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-protests-us-navys-provocative-actions-in-south-china-sea-334188">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-protests-us-navys-provocative-actions-in-south-china-sea-334188" hreflang="en">China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea</a>

Philippines had stopped drilling in the disputed waters in 2014, however, President Rodrigo Duterte&nbsp;began&nbsp;talks with China two years ago to jointly explore in the South China Sea.

"Now that the moratorium is lifted, I'm sure that will expedite the discussions," Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: "China hoped it could work together with the Philippines in jointly developing energy projects in the South China Sea."

"China and the Philippines have reached consensus on the joint development of oil and gas resources in the South China Sea and have established a cooperation mechanism for relevant consultations," Zhao Lijian added.

"I hope and believe that the two sides will meet each other halfway, promote joint development, and continue to make positive progress," he said.

Energy secretary Cusi said that three projects could resume while expressing confidence that local companies could proceed without any obstruction from China.

"The lifting of the suspension will help prime up our economy," Cusi said, adding it would "help in generating investments" amid the coronavirus pandemic which has hit the&nbsp;Philippines economy.

The Philippines government on Friday lifted the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea amid talks with China over the disputed region. Also Read: China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea Philippines had stopped drilling in the disputed waters in 2014, however, President Rodrigo Duterte began talks with China two years ago to jointly explore in the South China Sea.

The Philippines government on Friday lifted the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea amid talks with China over the disputed region. Also Read: China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea Philippines had stopped drilling in the disputed waters in 2014, however, President Rodrigo Duterte began talks with China two years ago to jointly explore in the South China Sea. "Now that the moratorium is lifted, I'm sure that will expedite the discussions," Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: "China hoped it could work together with the Philippines in jointly developing energy projects in the South China Sea." "China and the Philippines have reached consensus on the joint development of oil and gas resources in the South China Sea and have established a cooperation mechanism for relevant consultations," Zhao Lijian added. "I hope and believe that the two sides will meet each other halfway, promote joint development, and continue to make positive progress," he said. Energy secretary Cusi said that three projects could resume while expressing confidence that local companies could proceed without any obstruction from China. "The lifting of the suspension will help prime up our economy," Cusi said, adding it would "help in generating investments" amid the coronavirus pandemic which has hit the Philippines economy.

Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea

China launched two missiles into the South China Sea today in a warning to the United States, it has been reported.

China fires 2 missiles in warning to US

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions on 24 Chinese state-owned companies for taking part in building artificial islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-transgressions-continue-in-south-china-sea-323278/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Since 2013, the PRC (People's Republic of China) has used its state-owned enterprises to dredge and reclaim more than 3,000 acres on disputed features in the South China Sea, destabilizing the region, trampling on the sovereign rights of its neighbours, and causing untold environmental devastation," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also Read:&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

The US government targeted the China Communications Construction Company, including a shipbuilding group and telecom firms amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

"The companies enabled China to construct and militarise disputed outposts in the South China Sea," the US Commerce Department said as it put the 24 companies in the &nbsp;"Entity List".

The latest move comes after the US government last month had declared China's pursuit of territory in the South China Sea as "illegal" with Pompeo asserting that "the world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Philippine defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that China's "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea is a fabrication as tensions between Manila and Beijing continued over the islands.

"That area is within our EEZ," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, adding,"China's so-called historical rights over an area enclosed by their 9-line doesn't exist except in their imaginations. They (China) are the ones who have been doing provocations by illegally occupying some features within our EEZ. Hence they have no right to claim they are enforcing their laws."

"Our fishermen are within our EEZ and likewise our ships and planes conduct patrol sorties within our area," Lorenzana asserted.

The Philippine foreign ministry had last week lodged a diplomatic protest over "illegal confiscation" by China's coast guard of fishing equipment near the shoal.

 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions on 24 Chinese state-owned companies for taking part in building artificial islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea.

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions on 24 Chinese state-owned companies for taking part in building artificial islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea. Watch: "Since 2013, the PRC (People's Republic of China) has used its state-owned enterprises to dredge and reclaim more than 3,000 acres on disputed features in the South China Sea, destabilizing the region, trampling on the sovereign rights of its neighbours, and causing untold environmental devastation," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Also Read: South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory The US government targeted the China Communications Construction Company, including a shipbuilding group and telecom firms amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. "The companies enabled China to construct and militarise disputed outposts in the South China Sea," the US Commerce Department said as it put the 24 companies in the "Entity List". The latest move comes after the US government last month had declared China's pursuit of territory in the South China Sea as "illegal" with Pompeo asserting that "the world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire. Meanwhile, Philippine defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that China's "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea is a fabrication as tensions between Manila and Beijing continued over the islands. "That area is within our EEZ," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, adding,"China's so-called historical rights over an area enclosed by their 9-line doesn't exist except in their imaginations. They (China) are the ones who have been doing provocations by illegally occupying some features within our EEZ. Hence they have no right to claim they are enforcing their laws." "Our fishermen are within our EEZ and likewise our ships and planes conduct patrol sorties within our area," Lorenzana asserted. The Philippine foreign ministry had last week lodged a diplomatic protest over "illegal confiscation" by China's coast guard of fishing equipment near the shoal.

US targets Chinese individuals, companies over South China Sea work

According to the intelligence sources, Chinese Air force, known as The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will soon have its fighter jets based in the South China Sea region.

Chinese transgressions continue in South China Sea

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters.

There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials.

The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown.

The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment.

The devices, locally called ''payaos,''&nbsp;were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales.

China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year.

The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision.

Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims.

Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing.

China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters. There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials. The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown. The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment. The devices, locally called ''payaos,'' were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales. China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year. The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision. Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims. Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing. China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

South China Sea: Philippines protests against China's 'illicit' warnings

The South China Sea is a shared home for countries in the region and should not be a wrestling ground for international politics, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency.

In his recent statement, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissed China's sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea.

China believes the US&nbsp;has significantly stepped up its intervention in the South China Sea as it&nbsp;recently&nbsp;conducted "dual-carrier operations" there, along with&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;the number&nbsp;military vessels and aircraft on reconnaissance missions aimed at China.

According to Wang "the US&nbsp;has recently taken a number of provocative actions in the South China Sea," and starting a "diplomatic war" does not prove the strength of the United States, but rather exposes its increasing lack of confidence.

China will continue efforts with other littoral countries to maintain the peace and advance the development of the South China Sea, Wang said.

"The South China Sea is the shared home for the countries in the region. It should not be a wrestling ground for international politics. Facts have proved that settling disputes through dialogue is the right way that best serves the interests of regional countries, and countries in the region have a shared responsibility to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable," said Wang.

"China is prepared to strengthen maritime cooperation with other littoral countries, deepen mutual security confidence, and advance joint development, so as to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation," he added.

Speaking about the US&nbsp;government's recent closure of the Chinese Consulate General in Houston, Texas, Wang noted that it was like closing a window on mutual understanding between the two countries and their peoples.

China's countermeasure, the closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu, is legitimate, justified and lawful, and it fully conforms to diplomatic norms, Wang added.

The South China Sea is a shared home for countries in the region and should not be a wrestling ground for international politics, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency.

The South China Sea is a shared home for countries in the region and should not be a wrestling ground for international politics, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency. In his recent statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissed China's sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea. China believes the US has significantly stepped up its intervention in the South China Sea as it recently conducted "dual-carrier operations" there, along with increasing the number military vessels and aircraft on reconnaissance missions aimed at China. According to Wang "the US has recently taken a number of provocative actions in the South China Sea," and starting a "diplomatic war" does not prove the strength of the United States, but rather exposes its increasing lack of confidence. China will continue efforts with other littoral countries to maintain the peace and advance the development of the South China Sea, Wang said. "The South China Sea is the shared home for the countries in the region. It should not be a wrestling ground for international politics. Facts have proved that settling disputes through dialogue is the right way that best serves the interests of regional countries, and countries in the region have a shared responsibility to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable," said Wang. "China is prepared to strengthen maritime cooperation with other littoral countries, deepen mutual security confidence, and advance joint development, so as to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation," he added. Speaking about the US government's recent closure of the Chinese Consulate General in Houston, Texas, Wang noted that it was like closing a window on mutual understanding between the two countries and their peoples. China's countermeasure, the closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu, is legitimate, justified and lawful, and it fully conforms to diplomatic norms, Wang added.

South China Sea should not be wrestling ground for international politics, says China

Beijing is trying&nbsp;to change facts on the ground in the South China Sea&nbsp;to gradually change the world's mind regarding its claims in the region, according to a Washington-based think tank.

In a report published in Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Nguyen Thuy Anh, who is a research fellow at the East Sea Institute of Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, has said that ''the nine-dash line is a representation of China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. The line itself is a collection of arbitrary dashes or dots without specific coordinates. China has not given any official explanations regarding its precise delimitation or legal origin.''

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-china-relationship-took-a-turn-for-the-worse-314882" hreflang="en">How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse</a>

"China's claim has been openly rejected by Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United States, and has been criticized by numerous international scholars. More importantly, the claim to historic waters within the line was rejected by the arbitral award of the South China Sea tribunal in July 2016. But China has disregarded the ruling and insists on the nine-dash line claim,"&nbsp;Anh said in the report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-exploiting-covid-situation-to-further-its-own-interest-mike-pompeo-315008" hreflang="en">'China exploiting Covid situation to further its own interest': Mike Pompeo</a>

As per the report, China has aimed to create "a narrative in the popular consciousness" that the nine-dash line is part of China's administrative territory.''

In pursuit of this goal, China uses any means it can to promote the visibility of the nine-dash line, displaying it on passports, maps, exported globes, movies, books, online games, clothing, tourist leaflets, booklets, television shows, and more.

In October 2019, a nine-dash map was visible in "Abominable," an animated family movie jointly produced by China-based Pearl Studio and America's DreamWorks Animation.

In 2018, a group of Chinese tourists wearing T-shirts with a nine-dash line drawing arrived in Vietnam. Earlier, in 2015, China watchers unveiled Google Maps images that highlighted the nine-dash line.

Before 2009, the nine-dash line appeared in scientific articles only rarely. However, the number of articles illustrated with the line has drastically and steadily increased since 2010.

A similar trend continues int 2020, covering a wide range of hard-science disciplines including climate change, hydrography, archaeology, agriculture, bio-energy, environment, waste management, and public health, the report said.

The insertion of the nine-dash line in scientific prints is not accidental. The majority of articles having the nine-dash line appear to have been authored or co-authored by Chinese scholars, it said further.

"Most of the articles presented the research outcomes of projects funded by Chinese government agencies. And Chinese scholars themselves are not able to explain the relation between the nine-dash line illustrations and the arguments in the articles," Anh said.

When asked, one Chinese author admitted that the insertion of the nine-dash line was a Chinese government requirement, she added.

One of the reasons why such irrelevant figures have been so worthy for China may be that it has leveraged its market power to force publishers, educational institutions, and think-tanks to self-censor and accommodate Beijing's rules on publication. The Asian giant has also been able to force publication firms to remove content which it regarded as harmful to Chinese interests.

Though having no impact on the legal nature of the claim, the widespread publication of such maps could prompt misperceptions among scientists, researchers, or students who are readers of these journals but are not familiar with the issue, as per the report.

"More dangerously, at some point policymakers in Beijing may mistake such publications as some form of popular recognition of its erroneous claim. Such a misconception could lead to a serious miscalculation," Anh added.

Beijing is trying to change facts on the ground in the South China Sea to gradually change the world's mind regarding its claims in the region, according to a Washington-based think tank.

Beijing is trying to change facts on the ground in the South China Sea to gradually change the world's mind regarding its claims in the region, according to a Washington-based think tank. In a report published in Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Nguyen Thuy Anh, who is a research fellow at the East Sea Institute of Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, has said that ''the nine-dash line is a representation of China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. The line itself is a collection of arbitrary dashes or dots without specific coordinates. China has not given any official explanations regarding its precise delimitation or legal origin.'' Also see: How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse "China's claim has been openly rejected by Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United States, and has been criticized by numerous international scholars. More importantly, the claim to historic waters within the line was rejected by the arbitral award of the South China Sea tribunal in July 2016. But China has disregarded the ruling and insists on the nine-dash line claim," Anh said in the report. Also read: 'China exploiting Covid situation to further its own interest': Mike Pompeo As per the report, China has aimed to create "a narrative in the popular consciousness" that the nine-dash line is part of China's administrative territory.'' In pursuit of this goal, China uses any means it can to promote the visibility of the nine-dash line, displaying it on passports, maps, exported globes, movies, books, online games, clothing, tourist leaflets, booklets, television shows, and more. In October 2019, a nine-dash map was visible in "Abominable," an animated family movie jointly produced by China-based Pearl Studio and America's DreamWorks Animation. In 2018, a group of Chinese tourists wearing T-shirts with a nine-dash line drawing arrived in Vietnam. Earlier, in 2015, China watchers unveiled Google Maps images that highlighted the nine-dash line. Before 2009, the nine-dash line appeared in scientific articles only rarely. However, the number of articles illustrated with the line has drastically and steadily increased since 2010. A similar trend continues int 2020, covering a wide range of hard-science disciplines including climate change, hydrography, archaeology, agriculture, bio-energy, environment, waste management, and public health, the report said. The insertion of the nine-dash line in scientific prints is not accidental. The majority of articles having the nine-dash line appear to have been authored or co-authored by Chinese scholars, it said further. "Most of the articles presented the research outcomes of projects funded by Chinese government agencies. And Chinese scholars themselves are not able to explain the relation between the nine-dash line illustrations and the arguments in the articles," Anh said. When asked, one Chinese author admitted that the insertion of the nine-dash line was a Chinese government requirement, she added. One of the reasons why such irrelevant figures have been so worthy for China may be that it has leveraged its market power to force publishers, educational institutions, and think-tanks to self-censor and accommodate Beijing's rules on publication. The Asian giant has also been able to force publication firms to remove content which it regarded as harmful to Chinese interests. Though having no impact on the legal nature of the claim, the widespread publication of such maps could prompt misperceptions among scientists, researchers, or students who are readers of these journals but are not familiar with the issue, as per the report. "More dangerously, at some point policymakers in Beijing may mistake such publications as some form of popular recognition of its erroneous claim. Such a misconception could lead to a serious miscalculation," Anh added.

China trying to change international perception on South China Sea: Report

US defense secretary Mark Esper said today that the "relationship with India is "one of the all-important defense relationships of the 21st century.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-indian-navies-conduct-joint-drill-in-indian-ocean-in-a-strong-message-to-china-314729">Also Read:&nbsp;US-Indian navies conduct joint drill in Indian Ocean in a strong message to China</a>

Esper speaking on the India-US naval exercise at Andaman and Nicobar islands which took place on Monday, said that the current exercise demonstrates "our shared commitment to stronger naval cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-india-china-standoff-the-latest-on-the-disengagement-process-314139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India and US navies conducted a naval exercise on Monday called the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Indian Ocean. Units of US Navy Nimitz Carrier Strike Group took part in the exercise amid growing tensions between India and China after the clash at Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers had died in action.&nbsp;

Four US navy and Indian ships took part in the drill with the Indian fleet consisting of Rajput-class destroyer, Shivalik class frigates and Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette.&nbsp;

"We are monitoring very closely what's happening on the Line of Control(LAC)," Esper said, adding,"we are pleased both sides are trying to de-escalate the situation."

"The smaller the country, your arms gets twisted," Esper said referring to China. "Our carriers have been in South China Sea and Indo-Pacific since World War-II. We will back sovereignty of our friends and partners," Esper asserted.

Esper said there was "great multilateral cooperation" in recent months while adding that he views bilateral and even multilateral FONOPs(Freedom of Navigation Operations) taking place in the South China Sea as a show of force against China.

"China's action on coronavirus is a whole other discussion about China's bad behaviour," he added.

"I was in Hong Kong in 1997 for the handover, I don't believe anyone in Taiwan believes that China has any intention of living up to its One Country, Two Systems promise, so it is a problem," he said on the recent Hong Kong crisis after China imposed the national security law, while adding that the United States would continue to conduct arms sales to Taiwan and FONOPs in the Taiwan Strait.

US defense secretary Mark Esper said today that the "relationship with India is "one of the all-important defense relationships of the 21st century. Also Read: US-Indian navies conduct joint drill in Indian Ocean in a strong message to China Esper speaking on the India-US naval exercise at Andaman and Nicobar islands which took place on Monday, said that the current exercise demonstrates "our shared commitment to stronger naval cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

US defense secretary Mark Esper said today that the "relationship with India is "one of the all-important defense relationships of the 21st century. Also Read: US-Indian navies conduct joint drill in Indian Ocean in a strong message to China Esper speaking on the India-US naval exercise at Andaman and Nicobar islands which took place on Monday, said that the current exercise demonstrates "our shared commitment to stronger naval cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific." Watch: India and US navies conducted a naval exercise on Monday called the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Indian Ocean. Units of US Navy Nimitz Carrier Strike Group took part in the exercise amid growing tensions between India and China after the clash at Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers had died in action. Four US navy and Indian ships took part in the drill with the Indian fleet consisting of Rajput-class destroyer, Shivalik class frigates and Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette. "We are monitoring very closely what's happening on the Line of Control(LAC)," Esper said, adding,"we are pleased both sides are trying to de-escalate the situation." "The smaller the country, your arms gets twisted," Esper said referring to China. "Our carriers have been in South China Sea and Indo-Pacific since World War-II. We will back sovereignty of our friends and partners," Esper asserted. Esper said there was "great multilateral cooperation" in recent months while adding that he views bilateral and even multilateral FONOPs(Freedom of Navigation Operations) taking place in the South China Sea as a show of force against China. "China's action on coronavirus is a whole other discussion about China's bad behaviour," he added. "I was in Hong Kong in 1997 for the handover, I don't believe anyone in Taiwan believes that China has any intention of living up to its One Country, Two Systems promise, so it is a problem," he said on the recent Hong Kong crisis after China imposed the national security law, while adding that the United States would continue to conduct arms sales to Taiwan and FONOPs in the Taiwan Strait.

India-China standoff: Relationship with India important, monitoring LAC very closely: US defense secretary Mark Esper