Tensions flare in the Spratly Islands as China and Vietnam ramp up military moves, risking a bigger clash over this disputed South China Sea archipelago.
Taiwan has maintained its stance on sovereignty over Itu Aba (Taiping) in the Spratly Islands and carried out environmental and humanitarian drills, including a beach cleanup on Zhongzhou Reef. The Coast Guard says the exercise aims to support sovereignty while avoiding regional tension, amid protests from Vietnam and competing claims from China.