The move comes days after a Chinese flotilla raised alarm as it circled Australia and conducted live firing exercises in the Tasman Sea.

The rapid expansion of China’s ocean exploration offers Beijing valuable military intelligence as it expands its naval reach and menaces U.S. allies.

China has built up economic and military ties across the Indian Ocean. The region holds 40% of the world’s offshore oil and ...

The minister emphasized that in recent years, the organization has been forming exclusive blocs, promoting the creation of an ...