Li Shangfu tells defence conference that ‘some countries’ only serve their own interests.

All hope of fresh talks snuffed out as American and Chinese delegations return to their well-worn differences.

Speaking at the Singapore security summit, the Pentagon chief said Washington is working together with its regional allies ‘more closely every day’.

A Chinese vessel’s illegal harvest of scrap metal in waters close to the Malaysian coast sparked concerns over the potential creep of Chinese boats – and aspirations – into fiercely contested seas.

Asian countries are likely to feel pressed between the rivals, with defence chiefs from both countries ready to take a firm stance.

All countries must engage, maintain open dialogue and diplomacy, and follow multilateral rules, Albanese says at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Prospects for bilateral talks still appear slim after the US said China had declined a proposal to meet, and PLA brass confirms Washington’s refusal to lift sanctions on Li as a key reason for the rejection.

Britain’s defence chief, speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, said he welcomed China’s efforts but it should not exercise ‘unreasonable power’ on Ukraine.

Comment by Indian National Congress Party chief comes as annual meeting of security-themed Shanghai Cooperation Organisation goes virtual-only.

Chinese delegates for years have robustly fended off criticism at the forum from neighbouring countries and Western governments.

Two nations sign memorandum of understanding during meeting between defence chiefs.

US sanctions on Li Shangfu stand in the way but the implications of not talking are too high to ignore.

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.