The drills come as China, US ramp up military diplomacy in the region, staging more frequent war games with allies over Taiwan, South China Sea issues.

Beijing responds to accusations that Chinese J-16 plane carried out risky manoeuvre, condemning Washington’s military reconnaissance activities as ‘root cause’ of maritime security issues.

The code of conduct could take years to finalise, and skirmishes between China and claimant states could affect trust and reduce chances of compromise.

A ship registered in Fuzhou, China failed to present anchoring permits during a routine inspection in waters off Johor state, Malaysian authorities said. Scrap metal and cannon shells were found on board.

Experts say China is trying to position itself as an alternative security partner to the US, as it steps up ‘military diplomacy’ joint exercises.

The vessel Xiang Yang Hong 10 began operating in the EE zone on May 7 – the most significant incursion since 2019 – but China claims its activity is ‘legitimate and lawful’.

Senior Chinese officials are likely to be ‘unhappy’ and ‘disappointed’ over Marcos Jnr’s moves to forge closer military ties with the US without regard for China’s sensitivities.

The two nations have long been embroiled in a territorial dispute over a stretch of the South China Sea, through which US$3 trillion of commerce passes annually.

US Air Force General Charles Q. Brown Jnr, known by colleagues as ‘CQ’, would replace US Army General Mark Milley as the top US military officer.

China follows Philippine move to deploy the floating markers near reefs in the contested waters.

The Qi Jiguang is on a 40-day tour that will also take in other South China Sea claimants Brunei and the Philippines, according to the Chinese navy.

Electric-powered vessel can operate for 60 days straight and will carry out scientific monitoring in ‘distant seas’, according to reports.

Military planners conclude the Gerald R. Ford and its fleet could be destroyed ‘with certainty’ in rare published report.

The pact comes as the US and its allies try to deter Pacific island nations from forming security ties with China.

Wrecks offer historic proof of Chinese voyagers’ role in the development of South China Sea, heritage officials say in announcing year-long study.

Tokyo and Hanoi have been deepening bilateral relations, as they have been involved in territorial disputes with Beijing in the East and South China seas.

Fishing communities are losing sea access and income, while red tape prevents shipping crews from working freely in the country.

A US presidential envoy said the Palau agreement would be signed in Papua New Guinea on Monday, while the Micronesia pact would be signed on Tuesday.

Chinese military deploys speed boats in response to approaching vessel, state media reports.

Prime Minister James Marape said two agreements focusing on defence cooperation and maritime surveillance had been agreed with Washington and would be signed in the near future.

Chinese and Vietnamese vessels confronted each other in recent days on multiple occasions as a Chinese research ship moved within Hanoi’s exclusive economic zone.

Second reading will be completed ‘within the year’ after first formal meeting of the negotiating parties since 2021.

Andres Centino assured troops of more resources and manpower as Manila shifts its focus from internal security to territorial defence.

20-minute call comes as tensions rise over East China Sea disputes, Tokyo’s links with US-led West on issues like Taiwan and Beijing’s Moscow ties.

Citizens in mainland coastal city of Xiamen learn to find their closest shelter and distinguish between different air strike alarms.