China's Harbin guided missile destroyer is shown during a joint naval exercise with long-term ally Russia in the East China Sea in May. Now China is welcoming similar moves with Asean nations in the South China Sea. Photo: SCMP Pictures
China's Harbin guided missile destroyer is shown during a joint naval exercise with long-term ally Russia in the East China Sea in May. Now China is welcoming similar moves with Asean nations in the South China Sea. Photo: SCMP Pictures
China /  Diplomacy

China 'offers joint drills with Asean in South China Sea to check US plan to send warships near Spratly Islands

Beijing extends olive branch to Southeast Asian nations in proposal signalling shift in its approach to growing regional concerns over its island reclamations

Kristine Kwok

Updated: 9:43am, 17 Oct, 2015

Why you can trust SCMP
China's Harbin guided missile destroyer is shown during a joint naval exercise with long-term ally Russia in the East China Sea in May. Now China is welcoming similar moves with Asean nations in the South China Sea. Photo: SCMP Pictures
China's Harbin guided missile destroyer is shown during a joint naval exercise with long-term ally Russia in the East China Sea in May. Now China is welcoming similar moves with Asean nations in the South China Sea. Photo: SCMP Pictures
READ FULL ARTICLE