South China Sea

The exercise comes as the US seeks to counter China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea.

China aims to be a major player in international ocean drilling.

The action is likely to irk China, but the US Air Force said that its mission was 'not related to any specific situation or nation'.

US defense chief James Mattis accused Beijing of continued 'indisputable militarisation' in Spratly archipelago.

Pentagon said the intercept, the second such encounter in a week, was 'unsafe and unprofessional'.

Fighter jets, assault helicopters and tanks were all part of large-scale drills countering mock-up Chinese attack.

China lodged a complaint after the US conducted a freedom of navigation operation challenging Beijing's claims in the Mischief Reef.

It is the first freedom of navigation operation since October 2016 challenging China's claims in the Mischief Reef.

Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte claimed he was warned of war if he drilled for oil in the South China Sea.

The exercise was being held to bolster Indonesia's maritime defences amid frequent clashes with Chinese vessels.

Admiral John Richardson said the US is 'getting back into an era of maritime competition'.

The exercise, led by French amphibious assault carrier Mistral, is seen as a display of military power aimed at China.

A landing craft from the French ship Mistral ran aground, halting the exercise that was aimed at sending a tough message to China.

The drills led by French assault carrier Mistral are likely to send a message to North Korea about US' commitment in the region.

The drill takes place amid Rodrigo Duterte's efforts to pivot foreign policy away from the US.

Military experts in China cautioned that the new vessel is far behind the nuclear-powered US carriers.

The Philippine president said he is no longer visiting the Thitu Island out of respect for his friendship with China.

On 6 April, Duterte ordered the military to occupy and fortify the Spratly islands in the South China Sea.

On 6 April, President Duterte ordered the military to occupy and fortify the Spratly islands in the South China Sea.

The think tank believes there are likely to be more planes in hangers near the Woody Island in Paracel groups.

'We tried to be friends with everybody but we have to maintain our jurisdiction now,' the Filipino president said.

Gary Alejano has charged the Philippine president with corruption and 'betrayal of public trust'.

The type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock will be similar in size to the largest American Wasp-class amphibious ships.

Recent reports claim construction has been completed on 3 of the man-made islands in the disputed waters.

The Chinese Premier says Beijing is not militarising South China Sea.

The destroyer Kaga went into operation on 22 March, giving the Japanese military greater strength.

'That does not exist at all,' China's foreign ministry spokeswomen Hua Chunying said.

Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana disclosed the plans after visiting a military base near Spratly Islands.

China grabbed hold of Scarborough Shoal in 2012 after a dangerous standoff with the Philippines vessels.

Urges China and Southeast Asian nations to conclude a legally binding code of conduct in South China Sea.