China expands maritime patrols east of Taiwan, raising blockade fears
China's coastguard and civilian fleet have increased patrols in waters east of Taiwan, prompting concern in Taipei that the activity could be a rehearsal for containment. The operations were reported through June and July and were described by Chinese authorities as "special maritime law enforcement operations". Analysts say the shift is notable because it moves beyond the Taiwan Strait and into waters on Taiwan's eastern side.According to official announcements, China's Maritime Safety Administration and coastguard carried out multiple patrols during June and July. Taipei has said the operations included requests for information from commercial vessels about their origin and destination.... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 29 Jul 2026 07:00 LONDON
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Rubio and Lavrov meet in Manila as Ukraine war talks continue
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Manila on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting, with the war in Ukraine at the centre of their discussions. The meeting took place on Thursday and lasted just over half an hour, according to Russian media reports cited in the supplied material. It came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had spoken with US envoys in an effort to revive stalled talks aimed at ending the conflict.Russia's foreign ministry said Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow's readiness for a political and diplomatic settlement... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 23 Jul 2026 09:01 LONDON
China and Philippines trade blame after South China Sea confrontation, as Australia criticises Beijing
Australia has criticised Beijing after China and the Philippines traded blame over a physical confrontation between their maritime forces in the South China Sea. The dispute centres on an incident on Monday involving the China Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy, which has now drawn in other major powers with interests in the region. China's foreign ministry responded by accusing Australia of exaggerating tensions and inciting confrontation.Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Wednesday that Canberra was concerned about aggression and destabilising conduct in the region, and warned that countries had a choice to make in response. Chinese foreign ministry... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 22 Jul 2026 12:02 LONDON
