June 20, 2026
Taiwan and China claim sovereignty over most of the South China Sea
It accuses Tokyo of provocative behaviour in the Taiwan Strait
Talks follow the Filipino president declaring an energy emergency amid oil supply disruptions
Military engagements between them have soared under Philippine president Ferdinand
China’s defence ministry has not responded to Taiwan’s claims
In a month last year, six typhoons hit the Philippines, which also saw four tropical cyclones develop simultaneously in November
Hegseth's remarks come a day after the armed forces of Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the US held a drill in the South China Sea
All personnel involved in the crashes are reported "safe and stable"
