China: Indo-Pacific Tensions High, From Taiwan to South China Sea

In this handout photo released by Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippines BRP Jose Rizal, right, and USS Gabrielle Giffords during a tactical exercise between Philippines and the United States in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday Nov. 23, 2023.

US Navy ship ‘intruded’ in South China Sea waters, China says

The U.S. Navy said the ship “was conducting routine operations in international waters ... consistent with international law.”

5 days ago

US, Philippines conduct joint patrols in South China Sea near Taiwan

The patrols come days after Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called the situation in the South China Sea increasingly “dire.”

2 weeks ago

President Joe Biden and China's President President Xi Jinping walk in the gardens at the Filoli Estate in Woodside, Calif., Wednesday, Nov, 15, 2023, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference.

Pentagon & Congress

Biden, Xi agree to restart military communications

President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping left their first meeting in a year showcasing modest agreements to re-establish military communications.

Biden seeks better military relations with China when he meets with Xi

The plan is to revive the regular talks under the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement, used to improve safety in the air and sea.

3 weeks ago

United States and Chinese flags are set up before a meeting between Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, on July 8, 2023.

Joint Chiefs chairman hopeful about resuming military talks with China

Gen. CQ Brown says he has conveyed his desire to restart the dialogue in a letter to his Chinese counterpart, and that he’s “hopeful.”

4 weeks ago

Chinese coast guard and suspected Chinese militia ship block the Philippine coast guard ship BRP Cabra as they approach Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, during a resupply mission at the disputed South China Sea on Friday Nov. 10, 2023.

Chinese ships chase Philippine vessels in South China Sea

China has stood by its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, clashing with its neighbors and drawing in the U.S., Manila’s treaty ally.

4 weeks ago

USS Ronald Reagan pulls into the Philippines amidst tension with China

Navy officials said the carrier's port call was planned in advance and not a response to recent maritime collisions between Beijing and Manila.

5 weeks ago

China sends more ships and planes toward Taiwan

Taiwan says China has sent another 43 military aircraft and seven ships near the self-ruled island.

5 weeks ago

The American and Chinese flags wave at Genting Snow Park ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Feb. 2, 2022, in Zhangjiakou, China.

China and the US appear to restart military talks

China froze military exchanges after former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last August visited self-governing Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

6 weeks ago

China responds to Pentagon report on its military buildup

China said the U.S. is the “biggest disruptor of regional peace and stability” in the world in a response to the annual Pentagon report.

6 weeks ago

China more than doubled its nuclear arsenal since 2020, Pentagon says

The stockpile is growing faster than expected, said a senior defense official

7 weeks ago

South Korea’s president nominates new defense minister

The nomination comes as North Korea continues missile launch tests, and its leader Kim Jong Un visits Russia to meet with his counterpart Vladimir Putin.

3 months ago

China flies 103 military planes toward Taiwan

Taiwan's Defense Ministry says it also detected Chinese vessels in the 24 hours from Sunday to early Monday.

3 months ago

Top Army general in the Pacific warns of China’s military threat

The threat looms, so soldiers must be prepared.

3 months ago

China, Russia will use cyber to sow chaos if war starts, Pentagon says

The strategy describes China as a “broad and pervasive” cyber espionage threat and Russia as a malign online influence.

3 months ago

House Armed Svcs leader vows ‘resolute reaction’ if Taiwan attacked

“Know that any hostile unprovoked attack on Taiwan will result in a resolute reaction from the U.S.,” said Rob Wittman, vice chair of House Armed Services.

3 months ago

China lashes out over stepped-up US military aid to Taiwan

The package is modest at only $80 million, but the implications of using the Foreign Military Financing program to provide it will likely infuriate China.

3 months ago

China sends aircraft, ships toward Taiwan after US approves arms sale

More than 30 aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army and nine navy vessels were detected in the 24 hours between 6 a.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday.

3 months ago

120 Marines back drill retaking an island along the South China Sea

Australian and Filipino forces, backed by U.S. Marines, practiced retaking an island seized by hostile forces.

4 months ago

China

China's bold moves in the Pacific Rim have heightened tensions with Taiwan, the U.S. and across the region. Here are the latest developments.

The U.S. Navy said the ship “was conducting routine operations in international waters ... consistent with international law.”

The patrols come days after Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called the situation in the South China Sea increasingly “dire.”

President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping left their first meeting in a year showcasing modest agreements to re-establish military communications.

The plan is to revive the regular talks under the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement, used to improve safety in the air and sea.

Gen. CQ Brown says he has conveyed his desire to restart the dialogue in a letter to his Chinese counterpart, and that he’s “hopeful.”

China has stood by its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, clashing with its neighbors and drawing in the U.S., Manila’s treaty ally.

Navy officials said the carrier's port call was planned in advance and not a response to recent maritime collisions between Beijing and Manila.

Taiwan says China has sent another 43 military aircraft and seven ships near the self-ruled island.

China froze military exchanges after former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last August visited self-governing Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

China said the U.S. is the “biggest disruptor of regional peace and stability” in the world in a response to the annual Pentagon report.

The stockpile is growing faster than expected, said a senior defense official

The nomination comes as North Korea continues missile launch tests, and its leader Kim Jong Un visits Russia to meet with his counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry says it also detected Chinese vessels in the 24 hours from Sunday to early Monday.

The threat looms, so soldiers must be prepared.

The strategy describes China as a “broad and pervasive” cyber espionage threat and Russia as a malign online influence.

“Know that any hostile unprovoked attack on Taiwan will result in a resolute reaction from the U.S.,” said Rob Wittman, vice chair of House Armed Services.

The package is modest at only $80 million, but the implications of using the Foreign Military Financing program to provide it will likely infuriate China.

More than 30 aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army and nine navy vessels were detected in the 24 hours between 6 a.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday.

Australian and Filipino forces, backed by U.S. Marines, practiced retaking an island seized by hostile forces.