Philippine and U.S. forces will carry out maritime strike drills on a remote Philippine ‌island near Taiwan during annual exercises that started on Monday, which Manila's military chief said would test their readiness under "real‑world conditions".
The April 20 to May 8 exercises known as "Balikatan", or "shoulder-to-shoulder", will be the largest yet in terms of participating countries, with Australia ​included again and Canada, France, New Zealand and Japan joining as active participants for the first time, ​highlighting Manila's widening network of security partnerships.

US, Philippines Conduct War Games Amid Taiwan Tensions

Along with 11 other ally nations, Australia and the United States have started their largest-ever joint military exercises. Australian officials have seen Chinese spy ships off the country's north eastern coast that they claim would closely monitor the exercises.

Australia-US War Games: Drill involve more than 30,000 troops from 13 nations

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others.

The week-long Vostok-2022 war games, which began on Thursday in Russia, include naval drills in the sea and are anticipated to involve over 50,000 soldiers and 5,000 pieces of military equipment and weapons. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Russia’s Collective Security Treaty are taking part in the routine drills, Bloomberg reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-wants-permanent-presence-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-to-avoid-nuclear-accident-511905">Also read |&nbsp;IAEA wants 'permanent presence' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to avoid 'radiation accident'</a>

However, when it comes to India, it previously refrained from participating in the drills and taking Russia’s side in the conflict, but due to its dependency on Moscow for armaments and concerns with border issues with China and Pakistan, it is expected that India will send 75-member team for drills. The US, on the other side, is wooing India as its defence partner and pleading with it not to go against UN sanctions against Russia.

But, during the UNSC’s procedural vote last week, India voted against Russia for the first time and also suspended plans to jointly develop helicopters and other deals with Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-may-begin-recruiting-convicted-criminals-us-intelligence-511902">Also read |&nbsp;Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence</a>

On the other hand, China refused to criticise Russia for its invasion and also opposed UN sanctions against it. China’s army, navy, and air force participated in drills, the defence ministry said. The country also provided Russia with technology and military supplies despite the risk of US secondary sanctions.

Countries like Syria, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan, along with others, are also participating in the war games.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others. The week-long Vostok-2022 war games, which began on Thursday in Russia, include naval drills in the sea and are anticipated to involve over 50,000 soldiers and 5,000 pieces of military equipment and weapons. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Russia’s Collective Security Treaty are taking part in the routine drills, Bloomberg reported. Also read | IAEA wants 'permanent presence' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to avoid 'radiation accident' However, when it comes to India, it previously refrained from participating in the drills and taking Russia’s side in the conflict, but due to its dependency on Moscow for armaments and concerns with border issues with China and Pakistan, it is expected that India will send 75-member team for drills. The US, on the other side, is wooing India as its defence partner and pleading with it not to go against UN sanctions against Russia. But, during the UNSC’s procedural vote last week, India voted against Russia for the first time and also suspended plans to jointly develop helicopters and other deals with Russia. Also read | Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence On the other hand, China refused to criticise Russia for its invasion and also opposed UN sanctions against it. China’s army, navy, and air force participated in drills, the defence ministry said. The country also provided Russia with technology and military supplies despite the risk of US secondary sanctions. Countries like Syria, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan, along with others, are also participating in the war games. (With inputs from agencies)

Despite US opposition, Russia holds Vostok-2022 war games with China, India, other nations

A senior member of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), has told a top Chinese official of Taiwanese people's concerns about Beijing's war games near the island, in what the party described as "frank" talks.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has been holding massive&nbsp;military drills near the island to express its anger on U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei this month.

KMT deputy chairman Andrew Hsia arrived in China for what his party said was a pre-planned visit to the Taiwanese business community and on Wednesday night met Zhang Zhijun, head of China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, a quasi-official body that handles ties with Taiwan.

Taiwan's government has criticised Hsia for his timing, and some senior KMT officials have expressed reservations about the trip.

"Deputy chairman Hsia said he wanted to reflect Taiwan's public opinion and must not mince his words," the KMT said in a statement after the meeting in the eastern Chinese city of Kunshan.

"The first priority was to convey the dissatisfaction and worries of the Taiwanese people about the mainland military's continuous exercises in the waters around Taiwan," it added.

The KMT described the meeting, over dinner, as being an honest exchange of opinions on both sides.

China's official Xinhua news agency said Zhang, who previously led the Taiwan Affairs Office, described the current situation as one of "tension and turmoil".

"The relevant countermeasures we have taken are a just move to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, curb and combat 'Taiwan independence' splitism and foreign interference," Xinhua reported.

Taiwan's government rejects China's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future.

The KMT traditionally favours close relations with China, though it has condemned Beijing's war games.

The KMT ruled China before retreating with its defeated Republic of China government to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's Communist forces, which set up the People's Republic of China.

A senior member of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), has told a top Chinese official of Taiwanese people's concerns about Beijing's war games near the island, in what the party described as "frank" talks.

A senior member of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), has told a top Chinese official of Taiwanese people's concerns about Beijing's war games near the island, in what the party described as "frank" talks. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has been holding massive military drills near the island to express its anger on U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei this month. KMT deputy chairman Andrew Hsia arrived in China for what his party said was a pre-planned visit to the Taiwanese business community and on Wednesday night met Zhang Zhijun, head of China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, a quasi-official body that handles ties with Taiwan. Taiwan's government has criticised Hsia for his timing, and some senior KMT officials have expressed reservations about the trip. "Deputy chairman Hsia said he wanted to reflect Taiwan's public opinion and must not mince his words," the KMT said in a statement after the meeting in the eastern Chinese city of Kunshan. "The first priority was to convey the dissatisfaction and worries of the Taiwanese people about the mainland military's continuous exercises in the waters around Taiwan," it added. The KMT described the meeting, over dinner, as being an honest exchange of opinions on both sides. China's official Xinhua news agency said Zhang, who previously led the Taiwan Affairs Office, described the current situation as one of "tension and turmoil". "The relevant countermeasures we have taken are a just move to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, curb and combat 'Taiwan independence' splitism and foreign interference," Xinhua reported. Taiwan's government rejects China's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future. The KMT traditionally favours close relations with China, though it has condemned Beijing's war games. The KMT ruled China before retreating with its defeated Republic of China government to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's Communist forces, which set up the People's Republic of China.

Taiwan opposition politician takes war games concerns to China

Taiwan on Monday (July 25) kicked off it largest military exercises. The exercise saw trench warfare and shoulder-launched Stinger missiles deployed against simulated Chinese attacks. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has heightened Taiwanese worries that China may invade it.

Taiwan, a democracy, is claimed by China as its own territory. China has not ruled out use of force to capture the island. China's military might far surpasses that of Taiwan.

The five-day 'Han Kuang' (Han Glory) war games have incorporated lessons from the European war this year, said Taiwan's defence ministry. There are simulations of 'all possible actions' China can take to invade Taiwan.

On Monday, reservists armed with machine guns ran into sandbagged trenches dug under a bridge before getting into firing position, in a drill aimed at blocking enemies from gaining access to the capital Taipei.&nbsp;

"The underground bunkers help cover the troops and ward off the enemy's strike forces," said Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at Taiwan's Institute for National Defence and Security Research. He was quoted by AFP.

"They are part of Ukraine's urban warfare."

He said that stinger missiles were also deployed in some high-rise buildings in the area. Stinger missiles are effective against helicopters and low-flying planes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan on Monday (July 25) kicked off it largest military exercises. The exercise saw trench warfare and shoulder-launched Stinger missiles deployed against simulated Chinese attacks.

Taiwan on Monday (July 25) kicked off it largest military exercises. The exercise saw trench warfare and shoulder-launched Stinger missiles deployed against simulated Chinese attacks. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has heightened Taiwanese worries that China may invade it. Taiwan, a democracy, is claimed by China as its own territory. China has not ruled out use of force to capture the island. China's military might far surpasses that of Taiwan. The five-day 'Han Kuang' (Han Glory) war games have incorporated lessons from the European war this year, said Taiwan's defence ministry. There are simulations of 'all possible actions' China can take to invade Taiwan. On Monday, reservists armed with machine guns ran into sandbagged trenches dug under a bridge before getting into firing position, in a drill aimed at blocking enemies from gaining access to the capital Taipei. "The underground bunkers help cover the troops and ward off the enemy's strike forces," said Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at Taiwan's Institute for National Defence and Security Research. He was quoted by AFP. "They are part of Ukraine's urban warfare." He said that stinger missiles were also deployed in some high-rise buildings in the area. Stinger missiles are effective against helicopters and low-flying planes. (With inputs from agencies)

With Ukraine conflict in mind, Taiwan stages Chinese invasion war games

Russian military conducted war games near the Afghan border in what was a show of strength by Moscow. Russia and allies conducted joint drills near Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan as part of efforts to prepare for possible security threats emerging from Afghanistan, specially from the Islamic State & Al Qaeda.

Russian military conducts war games near Afghan border

The Indian Army will be participating in a multi-national defence exercise being held at Russia’s Nizhniy from September 3 to September 16, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

A 200-personnel contingent from the Indian Army will carry out war games with 16 other countries in the drill, known as Zapad 2021. One of the theatre-level exercises of Russian Armed Forces, it will focus primarily on operations against terrorists.

"Over a dozen countries from Eurasian and South Asian Region will participate in this signature event," the Indian Army said in a statement. 
 
The countries invited for the drill include Armenia, Belarus, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Serbia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Pakistan and Chinese armies would be observers as they are not part of the exercise. 
 
The 14-day-long exercise is scheduled to take place at Mulino Training Ground in Nizhniy, 423 km east of Moscow. The series rotates through four main Russian strategic Commands, including Zapad (West), Vostok (East), Tsentr (Centre) and Kavkaz (Caucasus).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fact-check-was-jallianwala-bagh-memorial-tampered-with-in-restoration-409899">Fact Check: Was Jallianwala Bagh memorial tampered with in restoration?</a>

The exercise aims to enhance military and strategic ties amongst the participating nations while they plan and execute it.

From India, the Naga battalion group will participate in the exercise and will feature an all-arms combined task force.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Army will be participating in a multi-national defence exercise being held at Russia’s Nizhniy from September 3 to September 16, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

The Indian Army will be participating in a multi-national defence exercise being held at Russia’s Nizhniy from September 3 to September 16, the defence ministry said on Wednesday. A 200-personnel contingent from the Indian Army will carry out war games with 16 other countries in the drill, known as Zapad 2021. One of the theatre-level exercises of Russian Armed Forces, it will focus primarily on operations against terrorists. "Over a dozen countries from Eurasian and South Asian Region will participate in this signature event," the Indian Army said in a statement. The countries invited for the drill include Armenia, Belarus, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Serbia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Pakistan and Chinese armies would be observers as they are not part of the exercise. The 14-day-long exercise is scheduled to take place at Mulino Training Ground in Nizhniy, 423 km east of Moscow. The series rotates through four main Russian strategic Commands, including Zapad (West), Vostok (East), Tsentr (Centre) and Kavkaz (Caucasus). Also read | Fact Check: Was Jallianwala Bagh memorial tampered with in restoration? The exercise aims to enhance military and strategic ties amongst the participating nations while they plan and execute it. From India, the Naga battalion group will participate in the exercise and will feature an all-arms combined task force. (With inputs from agencies)

India to partake in 17-nation wargames in Russia

With a focus on peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy is conducting its largest biennial war games — the biennial Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX 21). The exercise commenced in early January and all the operational units of the Indian Navy — ships, submarine, aircraft as well as the units of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Coast Guard are taking part in it.

Being conducted over a vast geographical expanse of the Indian Ocean region, the exercises are aimed at testing the combat readiness of the Indian Navy. This especially when geopolitical changes are increasing in the region. During the "weapon work up phase" of the Tropex exercises, multiple "on target" missiles, torpedoes, and rockets were tested.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hands-over-arjun-battle-tank-to-indian-army-363565" hreflang="en">PM Modi hands over Arjun battle tank to Indian Army</a>

Tropex has two other phases — one was coastal defense exercise "sea vigil" from January 12 to 13, which saw the participation of not only Navy but also coast guard, marine police of 13 coastal states and union territories, followed by tri-service joint amphibious exercise AMPHEX 21 which was conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.

Meanwhile, as Tropex was on, Pakistan conducted its own naval exercises — Aman 2021 that is seen as a coup by Islamabad since it saw the attendance of 45 countries — NATO, Russia. While the exercises are also seen as a "project to build a positive image", not much is achieved on-ground as compared to Malabar exercises last year between India, Japan, Australia, and the US.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-it-prevented-unilateral-change-of-status-quo-at-lac-363264" hreflang="en">India says it prevented unilateral change of status quo at LAC</a>

Also, modern geopolitics has increasingly been less about who got a bigger gun. In terms of humanitarian support and deliverables, last year saw Mission Sagar by the Indian Navy providing food and medical assistance to countries in the region amid the pandemic. Mission Sagar 1 provided support to five Indian ocean island countries, while Mission Sagar 2 provided support to four East African nations and SAGAR-III to two South-East Asian nations. In addition to this, under operation Samudra Setu, India brought back 3992 Indian Nationals who were stranded globally as covid impacted global travel.

Meanwhile, on February 11, 2021, Pakistan conducted a successful Training Launch of Babur Cruise Missile IA, with a range of 450 kilometres. Babur Cruise Missile is capable of engaging targets at Land and Sea with high precision. This is the third test of nuclear-capable missiles carried out over the past three weeks. The test launch of submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) Babur comes at the time when Pakistan is hosting its multinational naval drill titled “AMAN 21”, which literally means peace.&nbsp;

With a focus on peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy is conducting its largest biennial war games — the biennial Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX 21).

With a focus on peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy is conducting its largest biennial war games — the biennial Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX 21). The exercise commenced in early January and all the operational units of the Indian Navy — ships, submarine, aircraft as well as the units of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Coast Guard are taking part in it. Being conducted over a vast geographical expanse of the Indian Ocean region, the exercises are aimed at testing the combat readiness of the Indian Navy. This especially when geopolitical changes are increasing in the region. During the "weapon work up phase" of the Tropex exercises, multiple "on target" missiles, torpedoes, and rockets were tested. Also read| PM Modi hands over Arjun battle tank to Indian Army Tropex has two other phases — one was coastal defense exercise "sea vigil" from January 12 to 13, which saw the participation of not only Navy but also coast guard, marine police of 13 coastal states and union territories, followed by tri-service joint amphibious exercise AMPHEX 21 which was conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands. Meanwhile, as Tropex was on, Pakistan conducted its own naval exercises — Aman 2021 that is seen as a coup by Islamabad since it saw the attendance of 45 countries — NATO, Russia. While the exercises are also seen as a "project to build a positive image", not much is achieved on-ground as compared to Malabar exercises last year between India, Japan, Australia, and the US. Also read| India says it prevented unilateral change of status quo at LAC Also, modern geopolitics has increasingly been less about who got a bigger gun. In terms of humanitarian support and deliverables, last year saw Mission Sagar by the Indian Navy providing food and medical assistance to countries in the region amid the pandemic. Mission Sagar 1 provided support to five Indian ocean island countries, while Mission Sagar 2 provided support to four East African nations and SAGAR-III to two South-East Asian nations. In addition to this, under operation Samudra Setu, India brought back 3992 Indian Nationals who were stranded globally as covid impacted global travel. Meanwhile, on February 11, 2021, Pakistan conducted a successful Training Launch of Babur Cruise Missile IA, with a range of 450 kilometres. Babur Cruise Missile is capable of engaging targets at Land and Sea with high precision. This is the third test of nuclear-capable missiles carried out over the past three weeks. The test launch of submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) Babur comes at the time when Pakistan is hosting its multinational naval drill titled “AMAN 21”, which literally means peace.

With focus on peace in Indian Ocean, navy conducts largest war games

Indian Armed Forces are planning to deploy their latest American weapons systems including M777 ultra-light howitzers and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the war games to be carried out in Arunachal Pradesh, close to borders with China.

Codenamed HimVijay, this exercise planned by India in the northeast will mainly test the war fighting abilities of the newly-raised 17 Mountain Strike Corps in Arunachal Pradesh.

The exercise will also involve the Indian Air Force (IAF) which would provide the aerial elements for the real war-type drills.

"During the exercise HimVijay, the 17 Mountain Strike Corps has been provided with the M777 Ultra Light Howitzers as they would be in an attack mode against the `enemy` locations and would require the lighter guns," senior Army sources told ANI.

Another recently inducted American system planned to be utilised during the war games would be the Chinook heavy-lift choppers.

These choppers were formally inducted into the Air Force on March 25 at the Chandigarh airbase.

"The Chinooks are not yet inducted into the northeast by the Air Force but at some point of time in the near future, they plan to induct it in that region. So, they have been requested to utilise the helicopters during the wargames," they said.

The war games have been planned by the Eastern Command for the last six months and are being implemented by the Panagarh-based 17 Strike Corps and the Tezpur-based 4 Corps.

The M777 ultra-light howitzers were inducted into the Indian Army along with the K-9 Vajra and Dhanush howitzers at Deolali near Nashik.

The Indian Army will induct a total of 145 M777 howitzers in service. The M777 Howitzers are planned to be used mainly for warfare in mountainous terrains only due to their lightweight and ability to be airdropped by the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the high altitude areas in the Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

More than 5,000 troops of the Indian Army`s only Mountain Strike Corps will carry out a massive war game to practice real war-like situation on the eastern front of the country.

"As part of the war games, the troops of the Tezpur-based 4 Corps will be deployed at a high altitude location to defend their `territory` while a brigade-sized force (over 2,500 troops) of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps would be airlifted by the Indian Air Force to `launch an offensive` against them," sources said.

The Indian Air Force will airlift the troops using its latest transport aircraft including the C-17, C-130J Super Hercules and the AN-32 to airlift the army troops from Baghdogra in West Bengal and deploy them close to the `war zone` in Arunachal Pradesh, they said.

To make the 17 Mountain Strike Corps more effective during wartime in the mountainous region with China, the fighting formations under it are being converted into Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) as part of Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat`s restructuring process.

Once the IBGs are formed, the formations will be converted into leaner and more efficient fighting units with the ability to strike deeper and faster against enemy targets, the sources said.

An IBG, which will be a little smaller than a division, will integrate the existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, engineers and signals.

It will comprise six battalions of these elements and will be directly under a Corps.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Armed Forces are planning to deploy their latest American weapons systems including M777 ultra-light howitzers and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the war games to be carried out in Arunachal Pradesh, close to borders with China.

Indian Armed Forces are planning to deploy their latest American weapons systems including M777 ultra-light howitzers and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the war games to be carried out in Arunachal Pradesh, close to borders with China. Codenamed HimVijay, this exercise planned by India in the northeast will mainly test the war fighting abilities of the newly-raised 17 Mountain Strike Corps in Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise will also involve the Indian Air Force (IAF) which would provide the aerial elements for the real war-type drills. "During the exercise HimVijay, the 17 Mountain Strike Corps has been provided with the M777 Ultra Light Howitzers as they would be in an attack mode against the `enemy` locations and would require the lighter guns," senior Army sources told ANI. Another recently inducted American system planned to be utilised during the war games would be the Chinook heavy-lift choppers. These choppers were formally inducted into the Air Force on March 25 at the Chandigarh airbase. "The Chinooks are not yet inducted into the northeast by the Air Force but at some point of time in the near future, they plan to induct it in that region. So, they have been requested to utilise the helicopters during the wargames," they said. The war games have been planned by the Eastern Command for the last six months and are being implemented by the Panagarh-based 17 Strike Corps and the Tezpur-based 4 Corps. The M777 ultra-light howitzers were inducted into the Indian Army along with the K-9 Vajra and Dhanush howitzers at Deolali near Nashik. The Indian Army will induct a total of 145 M777 howitzers in service. The M777 Howitzers are planned to be used mainly for warfare in mountainous terrains only due to their lightweight and ability to be airdropped by the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the high altitude areas in the Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. More than 5,000 troops of the Indian Army`s only Mountain Strike Corps will carry out a massive war game to practice real war-like situation on the eastern front of the country. "As part of the war games, the troops of the Tezpur-based 4 Corps will be deployed at a high altitude location to defend their `territory` while a brigade-sized force (over 2,500 troops) of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps would be airlifted by the Indian Air Force to `launch an offensive` against them," sources said. The Indian Air Force will airlift the troops using its latest transport aircraft including the C-17, C-130J Super Hercules and the AN-32 to airlift the army troops from Baghdogra in West Bengal and deploy them close to the `war zone` in Arunachal Pradesh, they said. To make the 17 Mountain Strike Corps more effective during wartime in the mountainous region with China, the fighting formations under it are being converted into Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) as part of Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat`s restructuring process. Once the IBGs are formed, the formations will be converted into leaner and more efficient fighting units with the ability to strike deeper and faster against enemy targets, the sources said. An IBG, which will be a little smaller than a division, will integrate the existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, engineers and signals. It will comprise six battalions of these elements and will be directly under a Corps.

India to deploy latest American weapon systems for war games to be conducted in Arunachal

South Korea Sunday began two days of war games to practise defending disputed islands off its east coast against an unlikely attack from Japan, further stoking tensions between the Asian neighbours.

The annual drills come just days after Seoul terminated a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-says-south-korea-fails-to-grasp-north-korea-threat-with-scrapping-of-pact-245084">military intelligence-sharing pact with Tokyo</a>, with the countries at loggerheads over Japan's use of forced labour during World War II.

The two-day exercise will involve warships and aircraft, the South Korean navy said in a text message without providing more detail.

The drill -- re-named "East Sea territory defence training" -- will solidify the military's resolve to defend the Dokdo islands and the area surrounding the Sea of Japan, the navy said.

While a Japanese attack is deemed highly unlikely, South Korea first staged the drills in 1986 and has conducted them twice a year -- usually in June and December.

The delayed exercise comes as tensions with neighbouring Japan continue.

Seoul has controlled the rocky islets in the Sea of Japan since 1945 when Tokyo's 35-year colonial rule over the Korean peninsula ended.

Tokyo also claims the islands and accuses South Korea of occupying them illegally.

The two nations are both market economies, democracies and US allies, and both are threatened by nuclear-armed North Korea.

But the two neighbours have been embroiled in intensifying trade and diplomatic disputes in recent weeks, following a run of South Korean court rulings ordering Japanese firms to pay for forced labour during World War II.

The series of tit-for-tat measures that began in July after Japan imposed new restrictions on exports crucial to South Korean tech firms has seen Seoul and Tokyo remove each other from their lists of trusted trade partners.

South Korea Sunday began two days of war games to practise defending disputed islands off its east coast against an unlikely attack from Japan, further stoking tensions between the Asian neighbours.

South Korea Sunday began two days of war games to practise defending disputed islands off its east coast against an unlikely attack from Japan, further stoking tensions between the Asian neighbours. The annual drills come just days after Seoul terminated a military intelligence-sharing pact with Tokyo, with the countries at loggerheads over Japan's use of forced labour during World War II. The two-day exercise will involve warships and aircraft, the South Korean navy said in a text message without providing more detail. The drill -- re-named "East Sea territory defence training" -- will solidify the military's resolve to defend the Dokdo islands and the area surrounding the Sea of Japan, the navy said. While a Japanese attack is deemed highly unlikely, South Korea first staged the drills in 1986 and has conducted them twice a year -- usually in June and December. The delayed exercise comes as tensions with neighbouring Japan continue. Seoul has controlled the rocky islets in the Sea of Japan since 1945 when Tokyo's 35-year colonial rule over the Korean peninsula ended. Tokyo also claims the islands and accuses South Korea of occupying them illegally. The two nations are both market economies, democracies and US allies, and both are threatened by nuclear-armed North Korea. But the two neighbours have been embroiled in intensifying trade and diplomatic disputes in recent weeks, following a run of South Korean court rulings ordering Japanese firms to pay for forced labour during World War II. The series of tit-for-tat measures that began in July after Japan imposed new restrictions on exports crucial to South Korean tech firms has seen Seoul and Tokyo remove each other from their lists of trusted trade partners.

South Korea begins annual war games to defend against Japan

The whirring of a low-flying Soviet Union-era war plane signalled Russia's uninvited arrival to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-hold-biggest-war-games-in-nearly-four-decades-162131">NATO's biggest military exercise</a> since the end of the Cold War.

Marines on board USS Mount Whitney off the Norwegian coast, had gathered for a group photo on deck when the Tupolev TU-142 soared overhead.

"It's a long-range maritime patrol reconnaissance plane," said one fascinated marine after casting an expert eye over the visitor.

Although he had seen plenty of images of the aircraft, this was the first time he had seen it live, so to speak.

Russia has already made clear its displeasure at NATO's Trident Juncture exercises, the largest by the alliance since the end of the Cold War.

They warned that the two-week long exercise, which it sees as an anti-Russian show of force, would not go unanswered.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, two Tupolev TU-142 carried out a "planned flight" of more than 12 hours.

"All flights by the Russian fleet's maritime planes are carried out strictly in accordance with international airspace regulations," the ministry said on Saturday, according to state news agency RIA Novosti.

Several states, including Sweden, Turkey and Baltic nations, have complained about Russian airspace violations in recent years.

Last week, Moscow also announced plans to test missiles in the region.

According to Avinor, the public operator of most civil airports in Norway, Russia sent a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) about the missile tests November 1-3 in the Norwegian Sea.

Any missile testing "will not change the plan of our exercise," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.

"We have not seen anything resembling a missile test, or even ships or aircraft in the area that would be relevant to documenting or monitoring missile testing," said Robert Aguilar, captain of the USS Mount Whitney.

Cold War leftovers 
The Tupolev's passage appeared to be part of Russia's response.

But Colonel Garth Manger, a British Royal Marine in charge of operational duties aboard the US ship, took it in his stride.

"They're watching us and we're watching them," he said.

Like the Tupolev, the USS Mount Whitney is a holdover from the Cold War era.

The third oldest vessel in the US Navy and the flagship of the US 6th Fleet, it has seen nearly 50 years' service.

Upgraded with the latest telecommunications equipment, it served as the command vessel for Trident Juncture, which is perhaps what provoked the interest of the Tupolev.

But if the flyover sparked shouts from marines on board Mount Whitney, senior officers played down any provocation.&nbsp;

"We are at sea, everyone's got the right to be here. It's international waters, it's international airspace," said British Admiral Guy Robinson, second-in-command of the maritime task force.

"So clearly we monitor closely. But everything we see in this exercise is that they've been safe and professional."

Jason Bohm, commanding the US marines taking part in the exercise, was equally phlegmatic: "The largest issue we have had on this exercise has been the weather."

The whirring of a low-flying Soviet Union-era war plane signalled Russia's uninvited arrival to NATO's biggest military exercise since the end of the Cold War. Marines on board USS Mount Whitney off the Norwegian coast, had gathered for a group photo on deck when the Tupolev TU-142 soared overhead.

The whirring of a low-flying Soviet Union-era war plane signalled Russia's uninvited arrival to NATO's biggest military exercise since the end of the Cold War. Marines on board USS Mount Whitney off the Norwegian coast, had gathered for a group photo on deck when the Tupolev TU-142 soared overhead. "It's a long-range maritime patrol reconnaissance plane," said one fascinated marine after casting an expert eye over the visitor. Although he had seen plenty of images of the aircraft, this was the first time he had seen it live, so to speak. Russia has already made clear its displeasure at NATO's Trident Juncture exercises, the largest by the alliance since the end of the Cold War. They warned that the two-week long exercise, which it sees as an anti-Russian show of force, would not go unanswered. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, two Tupolev TU-142 carried out a "planned flight" of more than 12 hours. "All flights by the Russian fleet's maritime planes are carried out strictly in accordance with international airspace regulations," the ministry said on Saturday, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. Several states, including Sweden, Turkey and Baltic nations, have complained about Russian airspace violations in recent years. Last week, Moscow also announced plans to test missiles in the region. According to Avinor, the public operator of most civil airports in Norway, Russia sent a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) about the missile tests November 1-3 in the Norwegian Sea. Any missile testing "will not change the plan of our exercise," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. "We have not seen anything resembling a missile test, or even ships or aircraft in the area that would be relevant to documenting or monitoring missile testing," said Robert Aguilar, captain of the USS Mount Whitney. Cold War leftovers The Tupolev's passage appeared to be part of Russia's response. But Colonel Garth Manger, a British Royal Marine in charge of operational duties aboard the US ship, took it in his stride. "They're watching us and we're watching them," he said. Like the Tupolev, the USS Mount Whitney is a holdover from the Cold War era. The third oldest vessel in the US Navy and the flagship of the US 6th Fleet, it has seen nearly 50 years' service. Upgraded with the latest telecommunications equipment, it served as the command vessel for Trident Juncture, which is perhaps what provoked the interest of the Tupolev. But if the flyover sparked shouts from marines on board Mount Whitney, senior officers played down any provocation. "We are at sea, everyone's got the right to be here. It's international waters, it's international airspace," said British Admiral Guy Robinson, second-in-command of the maritime task force. "So clearly we monitor closely. But everything we see in this exercise is that they've been safe and professional." Jason Bohm, commanding the US marines taking part in the exercise, was equally phlegmatic: "The largest issue we have had on this exercise has been the weather."

Russia turns up uninvited to major NATO war games

A day after <a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-korea-no-longer-a-nuclear-threat-says-trump-144139">President Trump and Kim Jong-un</a> concluded their talks, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a visit to South Korea said US hopes for major nuclear disarmament by North Korea by 2020.

Speaking to reporters, Pompeo said he hoped for major disarmament in &nbsp;2-1/2 years, adding that "there will be in-depth verification."

North Korean leader <a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-korea-highlights-trump-concessions-on-war-games-after-summit-144140">Kim Jong-un had concluded an agreement </a>with President Trump on Tuesday during the Singapore summit promising to ensure denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, however, the fine print of the agreement wasn't clear leading several experts to doubt the timeline of the nuclear disarmament process.

"Not all of that work appeared in the final document. But lots of other places where there were understandings reached, we couldn't reduce them to writing, so that means there’s still some work to do," Pompeo said as he sought to clear doubts about the deal reached in Singapore between Trump and Kim.

"There was a great deal of work done that is beyond what was seen in the final document that will be the place that we will begin when we return to our conversations," the US secretary of state added.

Pompeo said he would stay engaged with the North Korean officials to continue the process started in Singapore on Tuesday, the US secretary said: &nbsp;"I don’t know exactly what the timing will be for our next conversation with the North Koreans. I would anticipate it will be fairly quickly."

President Trump had declared yesterday that the US and South Korea would no longer be conducting war games along the Korean Peninsula. Pompeo who arrived in South Korea on Wednesday will hold a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday and then hold a trilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

Although US troops are still stationed in South Korea due to a state of war existing between the two Koreas, but Kim during his meeting with Trump in Singapore had resolved to officially bring the 1950 Korean war to an end.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4chqq6gpjmk" width="560"></iframe>

President Trump had declared yesterday that the US and South Korea would no longer be conducting war games along the Korean Peninsula.

A day after President Trump and Kim Jong-un concluded their talks, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a visit to South Korea said US hopes for major nuclear disarmament by North Korea by 2020. Speaking to reporters, Pompeo said he hoped for major disarmament in 2-1/2 years, adding that "there will be in-depth verification." North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had concluded an agreement with President Trump on Tuesday during the Singapore summit promising to ensure denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, however, the fine print of the agreement wasn't clear leading several experts to doubt the timeline of the nuclear disarmament process. "Not all of that work appeared in the final document. But lots of other places where there were understandings reached, we couldn't reduce them to writing, so that means there’s still some work to do," Pompeo said as he sought to clear doubts about the deal reached in Singapore between Trump and Kim. "There was a great deal of work done that is beyond what was seen in the final document that will be the place that we will begin when we return to our conversations," the US secretary of state added. Pompeo said he would stay engaged with the North Korean officials to continue the process started in Singapore on Tuesday, the US secretary said: "I don’t know exactly what the timing will be for our next conversation with the North Koreans. I would anticipate it will be fairly quickly." President Trump had declared yesterday that the US and South Korea would no longer be conducting war games along the Korean Peninsula. Pompeo who arrived in South Korea on Wednesday will hold a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday and then hold a trilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. Although US troops are still stationed in South Korea due to a state of war existing between the two Koreas, but Kim during his meeting with Trump in Singapore had resolved to officially bring the 1950 Korean war to an end.

US hopes for major nuclear disarmament by North Korea: US secretary of state Pompeo

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