China’s defence minister Liang Guanglie is holding talks with his Indian counterpart amid growing tensions between Beijing and its neighbours over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

CHINA sought to reassure Vietnam and the Philippines of its peaceful intentions after they condemned the nation’s actions in the South China Sea where oil and gas deposits are at stake.

The strength of China’s armed forces is 20 years behind the US and although the military is developing new capabilities, it is not a threat to peace in Asia, the Chinese defence minister said today.

SOUTH KOREA will stage naval firing drills at 23 venues from today, but will exclude areas near the disputed sea border with North Korea, the military said.

RUSSIA and China began unprecedented joint military exercises involving air, sea and land forces yesterday, as commanders from both nations insisted the war games weren’t meant to intimidate other countries.