Two US B-52 strategic bombers have flown near Chinese artificial islands in the South China Sea, ignoring calls to “get away” from Beijing’s airspace, the Pentagon said, claiming the “routine mission” was in accordance with international treaties. The Pentagon points out that it regards the flights near the Chinese manmade islands as fully legitimate because from a US point of view, the... 

China and Taiwan’s heads of state have shaken hands in a first meeting to be held at such a level since the island broke away from China in 1949. The meeting was held in Singapore on Saturday between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Taiwanese counterpart Ma Ying-jeou. The event is more of a symbolic nature, with both sides having said it is not to produce any agreements or statements. ‘Misters’... 

The United States has informed the Southeast Asian countries that it will soon send its warships to the disputed areas in the South China Sea. Kyodo Tsushin agency, quoting diplomatic sources, released information on October 18 stating that the United States plans on sending its warships to the 12-mile zone around the artificial islands, in the Spratly archipelago. Top officials in the US administration... 

China may use force if the US proceeds with its plan to sail within 12 miles of a reclaimed island in the South China Sea. Australia, which previously supported the American plan, said it wouldn’t be part of it. “We wouldn’t participate in any surveillance or whatever other activities the United States might have talked about,” Australian Trade Minister Andrew Robb said on Thursday in an interview... 

US Republican presidential candidate Ben S. Carson is playing the “Chinese aggression” card, claiming that Beijing is dreaming to overtake the US as the global hegemon and US leadership should deal with the Chinese with the gloves off, the politician insists. US Republican presidential candidate Ben S. Carson is beating the war drum over Beijing’s unwillingness to bow before Washington:... 

Adm. Scott Swift speaks to journalists on Friday, July 17, 2015 in Manila, Philippines. An American political commentator says the United States is trying to escalate tensions in the South China Sea, which can lead to tragic consequences. Professor Dennis A. Etler made the remarks in a phone interview with Press TV on Sunday while commenting on Washington’s decision to start surveillance flights... 

The Chinese Defense Ministry confirmed the fourth test of a hypersonic nuclear delivery vehicle, which the US called an “extreme maneuver,” amid rising tensions between the two powers in the South China Sea. The test of the hypersonic glide vehicle, which the US has dubbed the “WU-14”, was carried out on June 7 and is the missile’s fourth test in 18 months. “The scheduled scientific... 

A Japanese helicopter hovers above a Philippine coastguard ship as they simulate a sea jacking scenario during the combined Philippine-Japan maritime exercise off Manila bay, in the mouth of South China Sea on May 6, 2015. China has accused the United States of threatening to create “chaos” in the South China Sea, and urged Washington to “refrain from all the provocative words and deeds.” “If... 

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter: “There should be no mistake: the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as we do all around the world.” The US military chief has warned China to stop building islands in the South China Sea, vowing that it will not stop patrolling international waters and airspace in the Asia-Pacific region. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter... 

Peace is hanging in the balance in the South China Sea region, Michael Auslin noted, presenting three possible real-world scenarios under which Washington and Beijing may draw themselves into a direct conflict. Although Beijing has not set yet a formal air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the South China Sea, it has obviously laid down a “redline” in the region, noted Michael Auslin,... 

Head of the US Air Force Gen. Mark Welsh has warned about the rising air power of Russia and China, saying the two countries’ gap with the US military has closed. “China and Russia are two good examples of countries who will be fielding capability in the next three to five years; if they stay on track, that is better than what we currently have in many areas,” Welsh told Fox News on Monday. “Fighter... 

Hua Chunying, spokeswoman of China’s Foreign Ministry. China has expressed concern over a plan by the United States to bolster its military presence in the disputed waters of the South China Sea in a move the Pentagon has described as ‘demonstrating freedom of navigation.’ “We are severely concerned by relevant remarks made by the American side,” said the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman,... 

Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning A top US air force commander has expressed alarm at the growing number of dangerous midair encounters between American warplanes and those of China and Russia. Head of US Pacific Air Forces General Herbert Carlisle particularly complained about China’s naval and air forces for “very much continuing to push” toward becoming increasingly active in international... 

A number of American politicians argue that a military conflict between the United States and China is inevitable in the future, a political commentator in Washington says. “It’s very definitely an element inside the US that is arguing that a war with China at some future point is almost inevitable, because China is a rising power, becoming a formidable military power in the region, and the US... 

Heavy rains in southwest China have left at least 19 people dead and 20 others missing, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes, state media report. The China News Service said on Monday that 12 people have reportedly died in the southwestern major city of Chongqing, three in neighboring Sichuan Province, and four others in Shaanxi Province. The flooding forced some 160,000 people to flee...