China claims foreign agencies used sensor-fitted marine animals to monitor its waters
China's Ministry of State Security has claimed that foreign intelligence agencies are using sensor-fitted marine animals to collect sensitive data in waters around China. In a post on WeChat, the ministry said an "invisible secret war" was under way at sea and alleged that "spy turtles" and "spy fish" had been found attached to sensors while swimming in Chinese waters. It said the devices were being used to gather underwater information and transmit it overseas.The ministry said the animals were collecting marine environment data including water temperature, salinity and ocean currents in real time. It said the information was being... [Continue Reading]
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Taiwan says Chinese vessels entered disputed waters near Taiping Island
Taiwan says two Chinese vessels entered prohibited waters around Taiping Island in the South China Sea and remained there for about 15 minutes before being expelled by the coast guard. The island, also known as Itu Aba, is controlled by Taiwan but claimed by China, the Philippines and Vietnam. Taiwan described the incident as a fresh example of grey-zone harassment in waters it says are restricted.The coast guard said the vessels "openly intruded" into the area on Thursday and that the prohibited zone extends four kilometres from shore. In a statement, it said the ships were removed after the brief... [Continue Reading]
Xi Jinping meets Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang after seven years
Chinese President Xi Jinping has met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, in a visit described in the supplied material as Xi's first to North Korea in seven years. The talks took place on Tuesday and were accompanied by symbolic events including a tree planting, a performance of Chinese and North Korean songs and a banquet hosted by Kim. Both sides said they wanted to deepen cooperation, but the material provided says there was no mention of North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.According to the supplied rows, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation across politics, economy and culture,... [Continue Reading]
Taiwan dispatches ships after Chinese coast guard operation near Pratas Islands
Taiwan said on Sunday it had dispatched vessels to respond to a Chinese maritime operation in waters east of the island near the Pratas Islands. The Taiwan Coast Guard said the Chinese ships were monitored throughout the incident and that it sent the necessary vessels to respond appropriately. Taipei said the operation amounted to a violation of international law and described it as highly provocative.According to Taiwan, the Chinese vessels involved were a coast guard ship and an oceanographic survey ship. Taiwanese authorities said the two ships carried out what they described as the first coordinated operation intended to provoke... [Continue Reading]
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