China says its forces have begun live-fire exercises in the Gulf of Tonkin only days after Vietnam announced a new line marking what it considers its territory in the body of water between the countries.

China’s Military Exercises Raise Alarms China has announced a four-day live-fire military exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin, warning ships to stay away from the designated zone. The drills, which will involve real ammunition,

Chinese state media on Wednesday called on the Philippines to withdraw the United States' Typhon intermediate range missile from the South China Sea, saying the Philippines had repeatedly broken its promises by introducing the missile system.

A Chinese military helicopter flew within 10 feet (3 meters) of a Philippine patrol plane over the South China Sea on Tuesday, in what observers said was the second incident of potentially catastrophic behavior by the People’s Liberation Army against foreign aircraft in a week.

The Philippines and Japan pledged to enhance their defense alliance through training exercises, logistical activities, equipment transfers and intelligence sharing on Monday amid China’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.